Managing Morning Sickness

In the midst of all the joyous feelings about your pregnancy, you also may be feeling a bit queasy. Nausea or vomiting is called morning sickness, but it can happen at any time of the day or night. Some women experience an occasional episode, some never have morning sickness at all, and others are sick several times a day for months on end. Usually, the problem goes away after the third month.


What causes this condition?

It's currently believed that nausea is related to the "pregnancy" hormone (human chorionic gonadotropin). Your lifestyle also can affect the severity of your morning sickness.

• Women who don’t get enough rest seem more prone to attacks.
  
  
• Women who are under stress also may be more likely to experience nausea and vomiting.

• Get out of bed slowly. An abrupt change from laying flat to standing will only increase the feeling of dizziness.
  
  
• Eat frequent small meals. Taking little meals throughout the day will help keep your blood-sugar levels steady and will keep your stomach filled to minimize that queasy feeling.
  
  
• Snack on easy to digest foods, such as crackers, whole-wheat toast, a hot baked potato, cooked pasta, cooked rice, or fruit.
  
  
• Avoid greasy foods, such as butter, margarine, mayonnaise, bacon, gravy, pastries, fried meats, and french fries.
  
  
• Go easy on spicy foods, especially those cooked with pepper, hot chili peppers, and garlic.
  
  
• Keep your kitchen well ventilated to exhaust lingering cooking odors. Pregnant women often have an exaggerated sense of smell.
  
  
• Try eating cold foods. They have less odor and may be easier to swallow.
  
  
• Drink water or suck on ice to avoid dehydration if you’ve been vomiting. Contact your doctor if you vomit more than twice daily.
  
  
• Exercise. It will help you relieve the stress that may be contributing to your morning sickness and it also will help you sleep better at night.