If you were one of the lucky few women in the world who actually got through pregnancy without so much as a twinge of nausea, you are certainly the exception to the rule. Most commonly known as morning sickness, many women don’t even suspect that they are pregnant until they begin those early morning visits with the toilet. What’s so strange about morning sickness (or all day sickness for some) is its uncanny ability to make you violently ill one minute, and still have you craving a triple decker bacon burger with all the extras the next.
No one really understands what causes morning sickness specifically, but it has been linked to rising maternal hormone levels, and possibly other genetic or psychological connections. It is estimated that between 50 % and 90% of all women develop some form of nausea and vomiting during their pregnancy. For a select smaller number, the condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum may develop.
Hyperemesis basically means “excessive vomiting” and is characterized by stomach troubles that result in the inability to keep anything down—even water. Many women who suffer from this sometimes disabling condition can lose a significant amount of weight and are usually placed in the hospital temporarily for hydration and control of their symptoms. For some women it may continue throughout the duration of the pregnancy and never get better. Most cases of morning sickness usually improve after the 12th week of pregnancy but there are exceptions to every rule.
Researchers are continuing to study hyperemesis in an attempt to find a more concrete cause and a cure. However modern medicine has made some fantastic strides on the issue and offer many women oral or IV medications to help ease nausea and help keep those much needed nutrients in where they belong. Some women have found a reduction in symptoms through the use of vitamin B6 supplements, and on a far less scientific note, the combination of citrus and salty has been reported to ease nausea in some women.
Specifically, many women have reported that the combination of lemonade and potato chips often tastes better than other foods when they are sick. Of course, the age-old use of ginger and peppermint for nausea may also help to a degree, but you should make sure to talk with your doctor before taking any supplements, or changing your diet radically.
To help fend off bouts of nausea, consider keeping some crackers beside your bed and eating just one or two before even raising your head off the pillow. By eating lighter meals, several times a day you can help keep your stomach full and fight back against your nausea.
Hopefully, you will be one of the few women who can make it through your pregnancy without so much as a heave, but if you aren’t, struggling through the next several months in misery doesn’t have to happen. Dr. Hessel’s experience with pregnancy and obstetrics allows her to apply her knowledge to help you feel your best and deliver a healthy baby without being robbed of those precious days by hyperemesis. If you are struggling with your stomach issues, make sure to schedule your appointment today.