Tackling the first trimester: Battling morning sickness

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

This is the time when the realization full-fledged dawns in your head that you are pregnant. It is because the symptoms spiral you good at this point. The feeling of nausea, morning sickness, and upset stomach are very common at this stage. While these disturbing pregnancy symptoms invariably pass off by the end of the first trimester, you can cope with it easily with proper information and precautions. 

You would be surprised to know that these disturbing symptoms actually reduce the risk of pregnancy loss by as much as 50-70%. Another study claims that women experiencing morning sickness are likely to give birth to intelligent babies. You might start feeling nauseous between the fourth and sixth week of your pregnancy. The exact reason of this morning sickness is not known, however, researchers say that the increased level of estrogen and progesterone hormones and acid reflux in pregnancy causes vomiting and nausea. 

Few possible reasons for morning sickness 

These factors could be directly or indirectly contributing to your morning sickness:

A high amount of stress

Excess stress during pregnancy can aggravate morning sickness. A study shows that morning sickness is severe in expectant mothers whose corpus luteum is located in the right ovary, because of a higher concentration of sex steroids. If your mother or other genetically related family member had experienced morning sickness during pregnancy, then you are more likely to experience morning sickness during your term. Rare or abnormal pregnancies have more chances of morning sickness. 

Certain health conditions

If you have gestational diabetes, hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, active migraines, then you are likely to have more morning sickness than usual. If you are pregnant after 30 years of age, then nausea and vomiting are more likely to create problems. Being overweight, having motion sickness and a poor eye-sight also leads to morning sickness. 

Grandma’s Tip: An old saying, “If you are carrying a girl, then morning sickness is on the highest peak,’’ is not proved yet but stands true in many cases. But not to worry, the little Laxmi Ji coming into your life won’t bug you much, because this can be dealt with the help of many precautions.

Natural ways of dealing with morning sickness

There are possible natural treatments to help you deal with morning sickness. Here is a guide: 

Keep yourself hydrated

Excess vomiting leads to dehydration. Therefore, it is advised to take lots of fluids to maintain your body fluids. It's essential to get your liquids in because the more dehydrated you become, the more nauseated you will be. 

Prenatal vitamins

Prenatal vitamins contain valuable iron that you need when you are pregnant. But this very same iron can trigger nausea. You may want to try a different brand of prenatal vitamins or go on a low iron formula during the first-trimester pregnancy. Also, change the timing of the day when you take it. Try taking your vitamin with something other than water, like, in a spoon of pudding. 

Snack in bed

This one really helps a lot. Keep a couple of dry, high carbs crackers or toast handy. The moment you wake up, sit comfortably and eat them. Get out of the bed half an hour later. Remember not to drink any water. This literally keeps off morning sickness. An additional benefit is resolving heartburn, which is an uncomfortable pregnancy symptom. 

Watch what you eat before bedtime 

Don't have sugary stuff at bedtime. This makes your blood sugar drop and encourages nausea. Instead, go for high protein stuff like yogurt. It relieves tiredness as well. Eat almonds at night before going to bed. 

Ginger really helps

Ginger works well on the digestive system by reducing the acidity in the stomach. Natural ginger added to tea or your dessert dish stops morning sickness. You can also go in for organic ginger ale or ginger capsules. 

Small meals on the go 

It might be possible that you don’t feel like having food but an empty stomach often worsens the symptoms. Eat small and frequent meals that are packed with nutrients. Do not stuff yourself with fatty, acidic or fried foods as it can further aggravate the morning symptoms.

Cold treats 

Cold, slushy drinks or ice cold water helps in relieving vomiting and nausea. Have ice lollipops or frozen lemonade to soothe your stomach while taking in fluids. Make sure you are not taking ice cold water on an empty stomach; it can make you feel worse. 

Acupressure 

You might find relief from acupressure wristbands. Ask your doctor for acupressure points before applying the therapy. 

Genhu (Wheatgerm) 

Dissolve a few teaspoons of wheat germ in warm milk and have it in every one hour. This will help in reducing the morning sickness. 

Saumph ka Beej (Fennel seeds) 

The aroma of fennel seeds also helps in reducing vomiting sensation. Keep some fennel seeds with you and chew it up whenever you feel queasy. 

Yogurt 

Rich in vitamin B12, yogurt helps in relieving disturbed digestive system and thus, soothes morning sickness. Add fresh fruits in yogurt to ease nausea. 

Slow and steady

Each time you rise after a nap, go slow. Rushing out of bed can wake up that morning sickness in a hurry. 

Smell the aroma

Aromatherapy can keep off morning sickness. Try essential oils like lavender or peppermint sprinkled on your handkerchief. When you feel nauseous, inhale it a couple of times. 

Stay away from nausea triggers

Often, the smell of different foods can cause morning sickness, as can riding in an elevator, heat, the sight of a computer screen, etc. You need to identify these and avoid them. 

These are some of the effective ways you can avoid morning sickness during your first trimester in pregnancy. Morning sickness in the first trimester is quite normal and it does not harm you and your baby.

Do not suffer from morning sickness quietly. If you feel dehydrated after several episodes of vomiting, then do consult your doctor. Keep yourself informed about how you can have a healthy pregnancy, ensuring your health, as well as your baby's. 

 

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.