Morning Sickness in the First Weeks of Pregnancy
Those women who experience morning sickness in the first weeks of pregnancy will tell you the term "morning" sickness is a bit of a misnomer. The feelings of nausea and vomiting often strike throughout the morning, day and night and can be very trying. Although many women just accept that the condition is just something they will have to deal with, it may be useful for women to learn more about morning sickness, including why it occurs, how to cope and how to determine if a more serious problem may be to blame.
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When It Occurs
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According to the American Pregnancy Association, morning sickness usually begins in about the sixth week of pregnancy. However, keep in mind that the first week of pregnancy is considered the first week of your menstrual cycle, which occurs before you actually conceive. Therefore, since most women do not find out they are pregnant until after they miss their period, it often seems as if morning sickness begins right after that positive pregnancy test. Although some women may continue to have morning sickness throughout their entire pregnancy, BabyCenter.com states that morning sickness usually disappears for most women by the fourteenth week of pregnancy.
Why It Occurs
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The American Pregnancy Association blames an increase of pregnancy hormones as the cause of morning sickness during the first weeks of pregnancy. The pregnancy hormone hCG increases dramatically during early pregnancy, coinciding with the time period when morning sickness is typically at its peak. An increase in the hormone estrogen may also come into play. In addition, BabyCenter.com also suggests a more sensitive sense of smell and a more sensitive digestive system during pregnancy may increase the likelihood of nausea and vomiting.
Ways to Cope
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Fortunately, there are ways to minimize morning sickness. Make sure to eat frequent, bland meals throughout the day, as being either too full or too hungry may trigger morning sickness. Lemonade, watermelon, ginger, Jell-O, lemonade, pretzels and salty potato chips may help curb feelings of nausea, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Bland foods like crackers, chicken soup or a plain baked potato may also be good choices. In addition, specially flavored lollipops, acupressure wrist bands and B6 vitamins are all products available that may improve the situation.
Things to Avoid
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According to the American Pregnancy Association, there are things that can make morning sickness worse and should be avoided. Stay clear of spicy foods and strong smells, and make sure to avoid dehydration or becoming too tired. Also, skipping meals and lying down for long periods of time, especially right after eating, can make morning sickness worse.
Complications
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Although morning sickness is typically a completely normal part of early pregnancy, there are signs and symptoms that may indicate hyperemesis gravidarum, a serious condition which requires medical intervention. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, you should consult your doctor if you have trouble keeping fluid down for more than 24 hours, vomit more than four times a day, vomit blood or lose more than 2 pounds.
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