WHAT IS MORNING SICKNESS?

Nausea and slight vomiting experienced by pregnant women generally on waking up in the morning.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Mild to severe nausea, with or without vomiting, usually during the first 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. It does not produce any health problems or restrict the normal activities of the woman.

CAUSES

Major hormone changes that take place to permit normal growth of the fetus. Progesterone and other hormones cause involuntary muscles to relax, probably slowing movement of food through the stomach and intestines. They may also affect the vomiting center in the brain.

HOW TO PREVENT

No specific preventive measures.

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES

• Observation of symptoms.
• History and examination by a doctor.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition of pregnancy characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss and electrolyte disturbance.

PROBABLE OUTCOME

Usually stops after the first 12-14 weeks of pregnancy.

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

• Since cooking odors and cigarette smoke aggravate, keep rooms well-ventilated to prevent accumulation.
• Avoid active as well as Passive smoking.
• Move limbs for a few minutes before getting out of bed.
• Have a dry toast or biscuit before getting out of bed.

MEDICATION

Medicine is usually not necessary for this disorder. Don't take ANY medications during pregnancy without consulting your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe a trial of vitamin B-6, which appears safe at the present.

ACTIVITY

No restrictions.

DIET

The following may help minimize nausea:

• Place a small, quick-energy snack, such as crackers, at your bedside. Eat it before getting up in the morning.
• Eat a small snack at bedtime and when you get up to go to the bathroom during the night.
• Eat a snack as often as every hour or two during the day. Avoid large meals. Snacks should consist of high-protein foods, such as: nuts; a quarter-sandwich; cheese and crackers; milk; paneer; curd etc. Avoid foods that are high in fat and salt but low in nutrition.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR, IF

• You have morning sickness that does not improve, despite the above measures.
• You vomit blood or material that resembles coffee grounds.
• You lose more than 1 or 2 pounds.