Morning Sickness

Morning sickness and nausea are common to about 70 percent of pregnant women. Most nausea occurs during the early part of pregnancy (Read about "Stages of Pregnancy") and, in most cases, will subside or go away entirely once you enter the second trimester, according to AAFP. The hormonal changes in your body are a suspected cause, according to ACOG. They might cause you to become nauseous or sick when you smell or eat certain things, when you are tired or stressed (Read about "Stress"), or for no apparent reason at all. Sometimes iron supplements (Read about "Iron Supplements") can play a role, if they upset your stomach. Discuss the issues with your healthcare provider. For some women, it might last longer than the early stages of pregnancy or even throughout the entire nine months.

Nausea in early pregnancy is a condition that often can be managed nutritionally. Here are some tips from the National Women's Health Information Center:

• eat small meals
• avoid going long periods without food
• drink fluids between, but not with, meals
• avoid foods that are greasy, fried or highly spiced
• avoid foul and unpleasant odors
• eat crackers and other bland foods when you feel nauseous
• rest when you are tired

If you feel that your nausea or vomiting is keeping you from eating right or gaining enough weight, consult your doctor or healthcare provider.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is extreme, persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. If HG is severe, women are unable to take in a sufficient food and fluids, and can lose more than 5 percent of their pre-pregnancy body weight, sometimes in excess of 10 percent. They may become dehydrated (Read about "Dehydration"), and experience vitamin and mineral deficiencies. (Read about "Vitamins & Minerals")

There are many theories about the causes of HG, but none is confirmed. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) HG may be a combination of biological, psychological and sociological factors. Helicobacter pylori infection, the same thing that causes peptic ulcers (Read about "Peptic Ulcers"), is suspected of playing a role in some cases.

The nausea and vomiting usually clears up by the 20th week of pregnancy. It is most common between the 4th and tenth week.

NORD lists other symptoms of HG. They include:

• increased pulse rate
• rapid heartbeat
• excessive salivation
• distinctive breath odor called ketosis

The Hyperemesis Education and Research Foundation (HER Foundation) says HG usually extends beyond the first trimester and usually goes away by the second half of pregnancy. However, if HG is severe, HER Foundation says early treatment is critical. Treatment options may include some or even all of the following:

• hospitalization
• intravenous hydration
• nasal gastric tube feedings
• vitamin supplements
• anti-nausea medications
• small, frequent meals

HG can result in complications for the pregnancy and should not be ignored.

Related Information:

    Pregnancy Resource Center