Morning Sickness
What is morning sickness?
Morning sickness is a term used to describe the nausea and/or vomiting that some pregnant women go through. Some women have worse symptoms in the morning while others feel it worsen as the day goes on. About 75% of pregnant women report suffering from morning sickness, but luckily it usually subsides around 14 weeks.
Are some women more likely to suffer from morning sickness than others?
Some women are more likely to experience morning sickness than others. You might suffer from morning sickness if any of the following apply:
• Carrying Twins or More: If you are carrying more than one baby, the chance that you will get morning sickness goes up as well. Of course, some women who are carrying twins experience little to no symptoms.
• History of Nausea: If you experienced nausea or vomiting in a previous pregnancy, it is likely you will experience it again in your current pregnancy. Additionally, if you've experienced nausea while taking birth control pills, it is likely that you will experience morning sickness.
• History of Motion Sickness: Always reaching for that Dramamine? If you suffer from motion sickness, you might experience more severe morning sickness.
• Genetic Predisposition: Ask your mother if she experienced morning sickness. You are more likely to experience it if your mother went through it as well.
• History of Migraines: Women who experience migraines are more likely to experience morning sickness.
• You're Carrying a Girl: A study from the University of Washington found that women with severe nausea and vomiting early on in the pregnancy were 50% more likely to be carrying a girl.
One of the most recent studies was conducted by epidemiologists at the University of Washington. The scientists compared 2,110 pregnant women who were hospitalized with morning sickness in their first trimester and a control group of 9,783 women who did not get severely ill. They found that the women in the first group were more likely to deliver a girl, and that those who were the sickest — hospitalized for three days or more — had the greatest odds: an increase of 80 percent compared with the control women. --The New York Times
What Herbs May Help With Morning Sickness?
Morning sickness, a common symptom during pregnancy, can be uncomfortable and challenging. While it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider for guidance, some herbs and natural remedies are believed to help alleviate the symptoms of morning sickness. Here are a few:
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Ginger is one of the most well-known natural remedies for morning sickness. It can be consumed as ginger tea, ginger candies, ginger chews, or ginger capsules. The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerol, are thought to help reduce nausea.
- Peppermint (Mentha × piperita): Peppermint tea or candies can help soothe an upset stomach and alleviate nausea.
The menthol in peppermint has a calming effect. - Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): Lemon balm tea can be soothing and may help with morning sickness. It has a mild lemon flavor and
is known for its calming properties. - Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): Chamomile tea is a gentle, calming herbal remedy that may help reduce nausea and promote relaxation.
- Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus): This herb is often recommended for its potential to tone the uterus and improve uterine health during pregnancy.
Some women find it helpful for managing morning sickness. - Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): Fennel tea may help alleviate nausea and digestive discomfort. It has a mild licorice-like flavor.
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Lavender tea or essential oil can have a soothing effect and may help reduce nausea.
- Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia): Lime can be used in the form of lime water or lime essential oil to alleviate nausea and refresh the senses.
Remember that while these herbs are generally considered safe, it's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before using any herbal
remedies during pregnancy. What works for one person may not work the same way for another, and individual responses to herbs can vary. It's also important to use these remedies
in moderation, as excessive consumption may have adverse effects. If your morning sickness is severe or persistent, consult a healthcare professional for guidance and potential medical treatment.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help ease morning sickness.
• Rest: Make sure you are getting enough rest. If you need to, take naps during the day.
• Avoid Certain Foods: Avoid certain types of foods that make you feel nauseous.
• Exercise: Light exercise helps some expectant mothers feel less nauseous.
• Hydrate: Make sure you are always hydrated. Dehydration can make anyone (even non-pregnant women) feel ill.
• Children's Vitamins: If you are taking a women's multivitamin in the morning, you might want to consider switching to a children's vitamin as these are easier to digest.
• Sniff Something Fresh: Morning sickness is very closely linked to smells for most women. The best scents to smell to avoid nausea seem to be lemon and rosemary.
Reference:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/morning-sickness/symptoms-causes/syc-20375254
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16566-morning-sickness-nausea-and-vomiting-of-pregnancy
https://tucson.com/news/science/researchers-say-they-found-the-cause-of-morning-sickness-in-pregnant-women/video_0c792c6d-4d8c-5e07-b35e-4afbd9362a05.html
https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=morning-sickness-1-2080