Morning sickness
Morning sickness is one of the most common and most well known symptoms of early pregnancy.
Between 7 and 8 out of every 10 pregnant women will feel sick (nausea) during their pregnancy and 5 or 6 out of 10 will actually experience some vomiting.
Some studies have shown that mild to moderate sickness is a sign of a ‘good’ pregnancy, with less risk of miscarriage.
For most women, morning sickness, which can happen at any time of the day, is a fairly minor problem, which usually disappears after the first 3 months.
But sometimes the problem is more severe and prolonged. Badly affected mothers may fail to gain any weight during their pregnancy and their babies may be small and malnourished at birth.
In rare cases (about one in 1000), the vomiting of pregnancy is so severe that the affected mother needs admission to hospital. This condition is known as hyperemesis gravidarum and may require treatment with intravenous (through a drip) nutrition.
Can morning sickness be treated?
There is no simple treatment for the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. Although drugs are best avoided in pregnancy, especially in the early months, there are some which have been used for many years with no apparant danger to the developing baby. In more severe cases they may be necessary.
Certain changes to the way food is prepared and eaten may help. These suggestions are worth trying.
- Eat frequent small, dry snacks.
- Avoid large drinks. Have frequent small drinks between meals.
- Reduce fatty, spicy and fried foods.
- Don't spend much time in the kitchen and avoid the smell of food when shopping.
- Prepare food at times when you are feeling least nauseous.
- Try eating a dry biscuit (or whatever else helps) before you get out of bed in the morning.
If you are pregnant and the sickness you feel is too much to ignore, talk to your doctor about it.
Last Reviewed: 06 March 2009
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