Overview of Morning Sickness

Morning Sickness is often referred to as 'nausea, vomiting of pregnancy' or 'NVP' you might even see it referred to as 'emesis gravidarum' or as 'hyperemesis gravidarum' which is morning sickness in its most extreme form.  The symptoms can vary from mild nausea to extreme vomiting requiring hospitalisation; this happens mainly if you become dehydrated. The nausea and vomiting can last anything from a few hours to the entire day.  For some mums to be it takes the form of food aversions. Hot and strong smelling food can be the worst offenders.  I know a few ladies who where unable to travel through the fresh produce aisle in the supermarket but where able to cope in the tinned section! Morning Sickness can be triggered by smells and movement and even by temperature but it can equally occur for no apparent reason. 

Many women notice that it occurs at the same time everyday, in some ways this can be useful because you can carry out your essential tasks when feeling 'human' again.

Morning Sickness is very common and will affect between 50-85% of pregnant ladies.  It normally starts around week 5 but can be later, and will peak around week 10 when the hormones reach their peak. However, sorry to say, most suffers will not notice a reduction in symptoms until week 16 when the hormones have reduced and the placenta has taken over nurturing the fetus.  For an unfortunate few it will be another month before symptoms are completely gone. 

It is very rare for morning sickness to start beyond week 10, and if it does so you should mention it to your health care provider.

Morning sickness is a normal 'healthy' sign of pregnancy.  Some researchers suggest that if you suffer from morning sickness you are less likely to miscarry, while other researchers believe there is no link, clearly this is an area for further research.

Although researchers have yet to find the cause of morning sickness it is most likely a combination of the following influential factors

• Pregnancy hormones
• Increased sensitivity to smell and taste.
• Low blood sugar
• Increased saliva
• Slower transit through the digestive tract
• Low blood pressure
• Low levels of vitamin B
• Electrolyte Imbalance
• Stress
• Tiredness

You can read more about these in the causes of morning sickness

There is a theory that morning sickness works in a protective way by preventing you from consuming excessive toxins. This does seem like a logical theory especially from an evolutionary perspective.

Treatment for morning sickness involves management of the major influences through lifestyle and diet changes. In addition some complementary therapies such as acupressure and acupuncture have been found to be useful.  See Morning Sickness Remedies Reviewed

There are some indicators that you could be more likely to get morning sickness and these are:
You are expecting a multiple birth. It is likely the higher levels of hCG or other hormones in your system trigger the nausea and vomiting. You're also more likely to have a worse case than average. However— some women experience no nausea at all.
You had morning sickness in a previous pregnancy.
If you have experienced nausea or vomiting as a side effect of taking birth control pills. This may have something to do with your body's response to increased levels of oestrogen.
You or a close family member suffers from motion sickness.
If your mother or sister suffered severe morning sickness.
You have a history of migraine headaches.
It is also worth noting that pregnancy nausea is more common in young women.

The outlook for normal pregnancy nausea and vomiting is very good – it should naturally subside.  By using the information on this site you should be able to find some relief from your nausea and vomiting.

If nothing is easing your morning sickness it is important to rule out Hyperemeis gravidarium an extreme form of morning sickness. If you have any of the following symptoms, you need to talk to your health care provider.

• Vomiting, mucus, bile or blood**
• Food aversions
• Increased sense of smell
• Sensitive gag reflex
• Excessive salivation
• Constipation (If severe**)
• Difficulty sleeping
• Fainting** or dizziness
• Ketosis**
• Vomiting small amounts food/drink**
• Dry, furry tongue, thirst
• Loss of skin elasticity
• Pale, waxy, dry skin
• Body odor (from rapid fat loss & ketosis)
• Rapid heart rate**
• Headache
• Confusion**
• Extreme fatigue
• Rapid weight loss (2+ lbs/wk)**
• Secondary anxiety/depression
• Intolerance to motion/noise/light