When Will Morning Sickness End?
Morning sickness is a common experience among many women during pregnancy, characterized by nausea and vomiting that typically occurs in the morning, but can occur at any time of the day.
Despite the name, morning sickness can last all day long and can significantly impact a woman's quality of life during pregnancy.
In this blog, we will discuss the physical symptoms of morning sickness, how to cope with it, and what to do if it doesn't go away.
Physical symptoms of morning sickness include:
Nausea - this is the most common symptom of morning sickness, and can occur at any time of day, not just in the morning.
Vomiting - some women experience vomiting along with nausea, which can lead to dehydration and loss of essential nutrients depending on severity.
Food aversions - you could develop a food aversion during pregnancy, particularly to strong-smelling or strong-tasting foods.
Loss of appetite - nausea and vomiting can make it difficult to eat leading to a loss of appetite and decreased food intake.
Fatigue - the physical and emotional stress of dealing with morning sickness can lead to fatigue and decreased energy levels.
Whoa...ok, so how can you cope with some more than unpleasant attributes of gestation?
Coping with morning sickness:
Eat small, frequent meals - instead of eating three large meals a day, try eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This can help manage nausea and maintain your energy levels.
Avoid triggers - some women find that certain foods, smells, or activities trigger their nausea. Try identifying these triggers and avoid them as much as possible.
Stay hydrated - drink plenty of fluids, such as water and electrolyte-rich beverages, to prevent dehydration.
Get plenty of rest - try to get as much rest as possible, especially during the first trimester when morning sickness is typically most severe.
Ginger - ginger has been shown to help reduce nausea. You can try some ginger tea or taking some ginger supplements. Sometimes the smell alone can help reduce some icky feelings for you! Peppermint is another flavor/scent that can provide some relief.
Medications - if your morning sickness is severe, your OBGYN or midwife can prescribe medications to help relieve the symptoms.
At this point the question is, when will it end?
For most women, morning sickness will subside by the end of the first trimester, although some women may experience it throughout their pregnancy.
So what do you do if it doesn't go away? If your morning sickness is severe and does not improve after trying any of the above strategies, talk to your provider. There are cases where a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum develops and this is characterized by persistent and severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. This condition can lead to dehydration and malnutrition, requiring medical treatment.
Sometimes the reality is that while you are overjoyed to meet your baby, feeling physically terrible for any time, let alone an extended period of time, can cast some doubt, negative feelings and understandably wishing that this part of pregnancy would just speed on along, skipping to the good part!
And that's ok. In fact, it's more than ok.
And if you need some extra emotional support while growing a whole baby human inside of your body, give us a call and let one of our Certified Labor Doulas buddy up with you during this time.
They are experts in what to expect during pregnancy and birth, great at gathering you resources and fantastic at providing you with a nonjudgmental listening ear. Not to mention, she is available to you for any amount of questions, phone calls and support for your big day!
