Unveiling the Brutal Inequality of Morning Sickness
Pregnancy can bring about a host of changes, and one of the most common experiences is morning sickness. Here's what you need to know about this common pregnancy symptom.
Morning sickness usually starts subtly around week 5 or 6, peaks around week 9, and gradually goes away by 12 to 14 weeks. This nausea and vomiting during pregnancy can be more severe in some cases, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, and is associated with higher levels of the hCG hormone.
The cause of morning sickness is thought to be an increase in the progesterone hormone, which relaxes the smooth muscle in the stomach and intestines, slowing digestion. This relaxation also affects the esophageal sphincter, a valve between the stomach and esophagus, causing it to relax and allowing stomach contents to move back up into the esophagus.
Estrogen, another hormone that rises during pregnancy, can also contribute to nausea. Interestingly, Dr. Peskin speculates that women who are prone to vomiting outside of pregnancy may find it easier to vomit during morning sickness.
Managing morning sickness can be challenging, but there are some strategies that can help. Eating small, frequent meals can help manage nausea, as can tailoring meals to when you have nausea. For example, if you find that eating in the morning triggers nausea, consider eating a larger dinner the night before.
Heartburn can also occur during morning sickness, worsening nausea. Dr. Peskin suggests using a wedge pillow to sleep more upright to alleviate heartburn during nighttime.
It's important to stay hydrated during pregnancy, as vomiting can lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous. Signs of dehydration include decreased urination, dry mouth, dry or itchy skin, dizziness, and weakness. Women who have vomited for 24 hours or show signs of dehydration should seek medical care.
Morning sickness can provide reassurance that the pregnancy is still on track, as it is associated with a healthy placenta and fetus. However, a sudden disappearance of pregnancy nausea could indicate a hormonal change that might jeopardize the pregnancy, so it's important to monitor any changes in symptoms.
It's also worth noting that higher levels of hormones during pregnancy do not necessarily indicate a healthier pregnancy. While morning sickness can be a nuisance, it is usually a normal part of pregnancy and resolves on its own by the 14th to 22nd week of pregnancy. For most women, symptoms are mild and do not require medical intervention.
In conclusion, morning sickness can be a challenging symptom of pregnancy, but there are strategies for managing it. If you are experiencing severe symptoms or signs of dehydration, it's important to seek medical care. Otherwise, try to eat small, frequent meals and tailor your meals to when you have nausea to help manage your diet during morning sickness.
