Morning sickness
It’s so often referred to as ‘morning sickness’, but many of you will know that this little nasty can rear its head anytime it likes! This ‘condition’ affects each pregnant woman differently. Some won’t experience it at all, some may feel nauseous and some may actually vomit. There are less common situations where a woman may suffer excessive vomiting, and is unable to keep anything down. This condition is called Hyperemesis gravidarum and referral to your LMC is important if this is suspected.
But for now, let’s look at the more common ‘morning sickness’. There are a number of different theories behind why some women experience this. There are huge adjustments to a woman’s body during this time, including a cocktail of hormonal changes, increased stress, a more sensitive sense of smell, or that metallic taste that some women experience. To grow a special wee human takes some effort.
Solutions…..
- Keep hydrated and rest well.
- Grazing is good. Frequent, smaller meals so that your tummy doesn’t have periods of time being empty where acids may initiate nausea.
- Avoid trigger foods; you’ll know which ones they are!
- Ginger, e.g. ginger beer, ginger nut biscuits, etc.
- Acupressure, such as wrist bands. They work by applying a magnet and mild pressure to the acupuncture point on the inside wrist
- Acupressure can increase muscle contractions in the stomach enabling it to push food downwards.
- Homeopathic remedies, most readily available at Health Stores
- Liaise with your LMC, GP
Thankfully….
- Women often feel complete relief after 14 weeks of their pregnancy.
- It tends not to be as bad in subsequent pregnancies.
- Morning sickness won’t hurt your baby.
These top tips come from our ‘Ask a Childbirth Educator’ series of questions from members, November 2013.
