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Morning sickness: What is it and how can I manage it?

A pregnant person touching their stomach in discomfort, potentially experiencing morning sickness during pregnancy. This image depicts one of the common symptoms of pregnancy, nausea and vomiting, that can occur during the early stages of pregnancy.

Are you an expectant parent feeling overwhelmed by the idea of dealing with morning sickness? You’re not alone. Morning sickness is a common occurrence in early pregnancy, affecting around 70-80% of all pregnant people at some point. While morning sickness may feel uncomfortable, it signifies that your body is adapting and preparing to care for your growing baby—plus, there are some simple tips you can keep in mind to help relieve morning sickness symptoms effectively! In this blog post, we’ll explore what causes morning sickness and provide practical advice on how to deal with it during your pregnancy. 

Conveniently located in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Coon Rapids, The Mother Baby Center can guide you through the first trimester with a helpful to-do list, helping you stay informed and prepared for what lies ahead. 

What is morning sickness?

Morning sickness is a common condition experienced by many women during pregnancy. This term can be deceiving though because nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness can occur at any time of the day. If you haven’t had a previous pregnancy, the surge of hormones and other changes you’re experiencing might make nausea more likely. For some women, morning sickness is a minor inconvenience that goes away after the first trimester. However, for others, it can be a debilitating condition that lasts throughout the entire pregnancy. While the exact cause of morning sickness is not fully understood, some factors may contribute to its development, such as pregnancy hormones and certain foods. Despite its unpleasant effects, nausea and vomiting caused by morning sickness don’t usually harm a developing baby, and there are lots of things that can be done to manage these symptoms.

Relaxed pregnant woman drinking tea on bed at home and looking at free space, panorama

What does morning sickness feel like?

Are you experiencing morning nausea? It might be morning sickness, which is a common pregnancy symptom during the first trimester. But don’t worry, it’s not the same for everyone, check out preparing for your first trimester to-do list. Some women might feel dizzy or have aversions to certain foods or smells, while others feel nauseous or experience vomiting. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to check with a health care professional. They can help diagnose you and suggest ways to ease any discomfort you may be feeling. So, hang in there, mama-to-be, you’ve got this!

Dealing with morning sickness: tips for maintaining good health and well-being during pregnancy

Dealing with morning sickness and its accompanying symptoms of nausea and vomiting can be a difficult experience. However, our team of experts has carefully compiled a comprehensive list of strategies and foods to help you manage these unpleasant sensations. These include options such as consuming ginger tea, employing acupressure techniques, adjusting your dietary intake, or taking prenatal supplements. With these tactics at your disposal, you can swiftly alleviate morning sickness and enjoy a happier, healthier pregnancy.

A glass cup of tea with lemon, mint, ginger and honey on wooden rustic table.

Eating tips

  • Eat bland foods like rice cakes, saltines or dry toast before you get out of bed.
  • Eat small amounts of food often. Do not overeat.
  • Eat a small snack before returning to bed if you get up during the night.
  • Eat what sounds good to you.
  • Try to eat small amounts of proteins such as cheese sticks or peanut butter with crackers.
  • Avoid spicy or fatty foods, as well as strong-smelling or pungent foods like onions and garlic.
  • Try our 10 specific foods and drinks that help ease nausea during pregnancy.

Drinking tips

  • Avoid drinking liquids with meals. Sipping liquids between snacks and meals will help prevent nausea. 
  • Try drinking teas or cold beverages made with fresh ginger or peppermint. Ginger gum and mints, or ginger aromatherapy can also help relieve pregnancy nausea.

Additional tips

  • Get up slowly, especially when getting out of bed or after sitting for a long time. Moving too quickly can make early morning nausea worse. 
  • Try wearing acupressure wristbands, which are designed to stop motion sickness and can relieve nausea caused by morning sickness. 
  • Ask your health care provider about taking a vitamin B6 supplement or anti-nausea medications. 
Peanut butter and banana, rice cakes, healthy, dietary food. Wooden background

Understanding hyperemesis gravidarum: severe morning sickness during pregnancy 

Expecting mothers may experience more than just occasional nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition that causes prolonged and severe morning sickness, can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and a decrease in overall well-being. Hospitalization may even be necessary in some cases. Although the cause of this condition is still unknown, it is believed to be related to hormonal changes during pregnancy. If you’re experiencing severe morning sickness symptoms, it’s important to seek medical help to get treatment and support. Your health and the health of your developing baby are important, and managing your symptoms is crucial for both of you. 

Coping with morning sickness during pregnancy 

While each woman’s experience with morning sickness is unique, dealing with it can help maintain good health and well-being during pregnancy. There are many different ways to combat morning sickness, from lifestyle changes and natural remedies to diet modification and over-the-counter medications. Remember to contact your pregnancy health care provider if you’re experiencing severe morning sickness or if nausea and vomiting symptoms persist beyond the first trimester. There is no one size fits all resolution to morning sickness, but just know that it is a very normal experience for many pregnant women. Take the time to discover which remedies work best for you and take care of yourself so you can look forward to a healthy, happy pregnancy.