Morning sickness is one of the most common symptoms reported by pregnant women, with up to 70% experiencing nausea during early pregnancy. Although it can be very uncomfortable for the mother, it is generally considered a sign of pregnancy and does not harm the pregnancy itself, except for the discomfort it causes.
The exact cause of this distressing symptom is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to a pregnancy hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced by the placenta. The level of this hormone is higher during early pregnancy when nausea is more common. Women with twin pregnancies or molar pregnancies (an abnormal pregnancy condition) often experience severe nausea, and their hCG hormone levels are much higher.
Although this condition is called morning sickness, many women experience nausea throughout the day. It usually starts around the 8th week of pregnancy and lasts until the 16th-18th week. It is very uncommon for morning sickness to appear later. If morning sickness begins for the first time after 12 weeks, it is advisable to undergo further testing to rule out other potential medical issues.
Mild nausea and occasional vomiting are common and do not require any treatment. It is helpful to avoid trigger factors such as foods and smells that cause nausea. In addition, keeping yourself calm by avoiding stress is important.
If you experience severe vomiting in pregnancy, known as Hyperemesis Gravidarum, it can affect your baby, and you may need to be admitted to the hospital. Seek medical advice if you experience any of the following symptoms with vomiting:
- Dark urine or very small volume of urine
- Vomiting blood
- Pain in the stomach and fever
- Unstoppable, repeated vomiting
- Feeling faint or faintness
You may try to eat a balanced diet during pregnancy, but if this is not possible, eat whatever you can manage. You may have odd or limited food choices for a while and may only be able to manage crackers, bread, or snacks for a month, but try to be reassured. Once you are over your sickness, you will have enough time to eat healthily.
