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Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy

For some women, the nausea and vomiting of morning sickness is the first indicator that they may be pregnant. The issue usually starts around the sixth week of pregnancy and ends around the 12th week. Despite the name, you may get sick any time of day or night. Some patients get sick in the early weeks and stay sick for the rest of the pregnancy. As one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy, this queasy time is a hot topic among women who are currently pregnant or have ever been pregnant.

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How to relieve these common symptoms of pregnancy

There is no magic pill that gets rid of morning sickness, but changing some of the things you eat, drink and do can help.

  • Switch from three large meals a day to smaller meals throughout the day.
  • Bland foods like cereal, bananas and rice are easier to digest.
  • Avoid spicy foods.
  • Drink water, clear soft drinks, ginger ale and weak tea to stay hydrated.
  • If you feel sick in the morning, eat a few crackers or dry toast before you get out of bed.
  • Ginger, crackers, salty snack foods in moderation, dairy foods and protein shakes can soothe your stomach.
  • Instead of taking prenatal vitamins in the morning, take them before bedtime after having a light snack.
  • Avoid strong food odors that can trigger nausea and vomiting.
  • Don’t lie down flat on your stomach or back for at least 15 minutes after you eat.
  • Try not to get too hot or overheated.
  • Get as much rest as you can.

When to seek medical attention

If you are vomiting often, you may become dehydrated. While morning sickness is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy, a very small percentage of women have a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum that requires medical attention. Conditions unrelated to pregnancy could also be causing severe symptoms. Contact one of our ObGyns if you have the following signs or symptoms that can be more serious than typical morning sickness.

  • Vomiting blood or a substance that reminds you of coffee grounds
  • Severe vomiting that doesn’t stop
  • Pain or fever along with the vomiting
  • Dark urine
  • An inability to urinate
  • A racing or pounding heart
  • Dizziness or feeling faint when you stand up
  • Nausea and vomiting into the second trimester

The caring team at Athens ObGyn helps patients manage morning sickness

Though feeling queasy is one of the common symptoms of pregnancy, nobody wants to be sick during what should be a happy time. The nausea and vomiting can be everything from a mild annoyance to a serious medical problem, but you are not alone. The compassionate physicians at Athens ObGyn have the experience and knowledge to help you navigate every issue that happens during pregnancy. Contact us for prenatal care.

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