Managing Your Morning Sickness

For many, pregnancy can be quite the exciting experience, but the morning sickness that can come with it? Not so exciting.  We caught up with Shannon Hess, MD, Obstetrics & Gynecology at Carson Tahoe Health to tell us about what causes morning sickness and to provide some tips on how to manage it.

So, What is Morning Sickness? Well, the cause of morning sickness isn’t entirely clear, but the hormonal changes of pregnancy are thought to play a role. ”Morning sickness tends to kick in around 6 weeks and has been seen to hit its peak around the 8^th and 9th week of pregnancy” says Dr. Hess. “While it’s extremely common, it’s not enjoyable and many women experience at all times of day… not just the early morning hours.” Symptoms generally subside around week 12, but if extreme vomiting or nausea persist, it’s important to consult your physician.

Tips for dealing with morning sickness

Pack some fresh scents

With estrogen levels in high gear, your sense of smell can become SUPER sensitive. Consider packing a bottle of lemon extract, mint or rosemary in your purse to quickly smell should you be unable to get out in the fresh air.

Stay Hydrated

When “nothing” sounds appetizing, you may be depriving yourself of that high quality H2O. Whether you prefer ice water or hot water, upping your hydration intake can help curb nausea and prevent dehydration.

Try To Distract Yourself

While morning sickness is very real, sometimes it seems that solely focusing on how bad you are feeling can make it seem worse. Try taking a walk, read a magazine or work on a crossword puzzle to get your mind off of how you’re feeling.

Eat in small doses

If the thought of sitting down to a meal has you feeling squeamish, try munching on something small and bland (like grapes or crackers). You may start to feel better after eating in small increments and then feel more inclined to continue eating a more substantial meal.

REST!

You are growing a baby after all! Try not to over exert yourself above what your daily routine usually entails. Sometimes lying down and just taking a little time to ‘chill’ can help you feel much better.