Morning Sickness: Causes, Remedies and When to Worry

Congratulations on your pregnancy! If you're experiencing nausea and vomiting during these early weeks, you're not alone. Morning sickness affects up to 80% of pregnant women, and while it's uncomfortable, it's usually a sign that your pregnancy is progressing normally.

What Causes Morning Sickness?

Morning sickness typically begins around the 6th week of pregnancy and often improves by the 12th to 14th week. Despite its name, it can occur at any time of day. The exact cause isn't fully understood, but it's linked to rising pregnancy hormones, particularly hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and progesterone. Your heightened sense of smell during pregnancy and an empty stomach can also trigger nausea.

Simple Home Remedies That Help

Here are some tried-and-tested remedies that many mothers in Vizag and across India have found helpful:

Eat small, frequent meals: Keep some plain biscuits or crackers by your bedside and eat a few before getting up in the morning.

Ginger is your friend: Try ginger tea, ginger candies, or add fresh ginger to your meals. Many Indian women find relief with adrak chai.

Stay hydrated: Sip water throughout the day. If plain water is difficult, try coconut water, lemon water, or buttermilk.

Avoid triggers: Strong smells, spicy foods, and oily dishes may worsen nausea. Stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods like khichdi, curd rice, or idli.

Rest well: Fatigue can make nausea worse, so prioritize adequate sleep and rest.

Vitamin B6: Some women benefit from vitamin B6 supplements, but consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

When Should You Worry?

While morning sickness is normal, certain symptoms require immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor if you:

• Cannot keep any food or liquids down for 24 hours
• Are losing weight
• Feel dizzy or faint frequently
• Notice dark-colored urine or urinate very infrequently
• Experience severe abdominal pain
• Vomit blood

These could be signs of hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness that needs medical treatment.

Expert Care in Visakhapatnam

If you're struggling with severe morning sickness or have concerns about your pregnancy symptoms, don't hesitate to seek help. For compassionate, expert pregnancy care, consult Dr. Rukmini Sowmya at Aara Gynecare, F4, 1st Floor, Akshaya Medizone, Opp. KGH Clock Tower, Maharanipeta, Visakhapatnam. Visit aara.co.in

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Talking to Your Daughter About Her Menstrual Health: A Guide for Mothers

Emergency Contraception: What You Need to Know

Breastfeeding Tips for New Mothers: Getting Started with Confidence