Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is the feeling of nausea and vomiting that occurs in the first few months of pregnancy. Morning sickness affects about 50 percent of all pregnant women between the sixth and twelfth weeks of pregnancy. The condition is perfectly normal and is not meant to indicate a problem with the pregnancy. Morning sickness can occur at anytime during the day or evening. Severe nausea and vomiting after the twelfth week of pregnancy occurs in one in 300 pregnancies.

Possible Causes of Morning Sickness
The exact cause of morning sickness is not known, but it is thought to be linked to the ever-rising estrogen levels and other hormone imbalances that a woman experiences in early pregnancy. Why one woman experiences morning sickness while another doesn't is not clear. A woman may also experience severe morning sickness with one pregnancy and not another. Low blood sugar levels may also contribute to morning sickness.

Possible Symptoms of Morning Sickness
Symptoms of morning sickness include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, light-headedness and dizziness that occurs in the first several months of pregnancy. A sensitivity to certain odors and foods is also common.

Possible Lifestyle Changes for Morning Sickness
Keep dry crackers beside the bed and eat them before rising. Crackers can also help alleviate nausea throughout the day. Do not sit up or get out of bed too quickly. Eat small, frequent meals to keep food in the stomach at all times. Do not go without food or drink when nauseated. Remember that morning sickness usually abates by the thirteenth week of pregnancy.