Discussing Morning Sickness During Pregnancy

Understanding Morning Sickness

Morning sickness or Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy (NVP) is nausea and vomiting that occurs during pregnancy. Although called morning sickness, this condition does not only occur in the morning, but also in the afternoon, evening, or night. Usually, this nausea and vomiting peaks in the morning so it is called morning sickness. Most pregnant women experience morning sickness in the first trimester of pregnancy. Although it does not endanger the mother and fetus, morning sickness can affect daily activities. In some women, severe morning sickness can even progress to hyperemesis gravidarum. Hyperemesis gravidarum is severe nausea and vomiting experienced by pregnant women. This condition is prone to causing dehydration and drastic weight loss. If a pregnant woman experiences hyperemesis gravidarum, intensive treatment is needed to prevent complications.

Causes of Morning Sickness

The exact cause of morning sickness is unknown. However, hormonal changes in the first trimester of pregnancy are thought to play a role in triggering this condition. In addition to hormonal changes, there are several factors that can increase the risk of pregnant women experiencing morning sickness, including:

1. Having morning sickness in a previous pregnancy.
2. Having your first child.
3. Having twins.
4. Having frequent motion sickness.
5. Having a family member who has had morning sickness during pregnancy.
6. A history of other illnesses and conditions, such as stress, obesity, liver disease and thyroid disorders.

Symptoms of Morning sickness

The main symptoms of morning sickness are nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Although it occurs more often in the morning, there are also pregnant women who complain of nausea and vomiting due to morning sickness at night. These symptoms are often triggered by several things, such as certain aromas, spicy foods, or hot temperatures. If vomiting occurs excessively, pregnant women who experience morning sickness can also feel chest pain. Morning sickness most often occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy or around the 2nd and 3rd months of pregnancy, but there are also pregnant women who experience it since the first month of pregnancy. Usually the symptoms of this condition will begin to subside in the middle of the second trimester. However, there are also pregnant women who experience morning sickness throughout their pregnancy.

Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are normal, because they are one of the signs of normal pregnancy. However, still do regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your pregnancy condition. Pregnant women are also advised to check themselves more often with a doctor or midwife, if nausea and vomiting during pregnancy worsens or is accompanied by the following symptoms:

1. Pregnant women experience fever.
2. Dizziness or feeling like they are going to faint.
3. Repeated headaches.
4. Vomiting that contains blood or is brownish in color.
5. Unable to eat or drink at all.
6. Heart palpitations.
7. Stomach ache.
8. Urine comes out little or dark in color.
9. The body feels very tired.
10. Weight loss.
11. Confusion.

To maintain a healthy pregnancy, pregnant women also need regular check-ups with a doctor or midwife. Below are details of the routine visit times that need to be done during pregnancy:

1. Weeks 4–28: Once a month.
2. Weeks 28–36: Once every 2 weeks.
3. Weeks 36–40: Once a week.

If deemed necessary, the doctor will ask the pregnant woman to undergo more frequent examinations to monitor the pregnancy and prevent pregnancy complications.

Morning Sickness Treatment

To diagnose morning sickness, the doctor will ask about the complaints experienced by the pregnant woman, medical history before pregnancy, and previous use of drugs. Furthermore, the doctor will conduct a physical examination to determine the condition of the pregnant woman. Generally, doctors do not require further examinations to diagnose morning sickness. However, urine tests or blood tests may be needed if the doctor suspects that there is another cause or disease underlying the onset of morning sickness.

In most cases, morning sickness is a condition that does not require special medical treatment. However, pregnant women can do the following to relieve morning sickness:

1. Drink more water.
2. Eat snacks first, such as biscuits, when you wake up or before getting out of bed.
3. Eat small portions, but more often.
4. Avoid spicy and fatty foods.
5. Take pregnancy supplements right before bed if the pregnant woman feels nauseous after taking the supplements.
6. Get enough rest, because lack of rest can also trigger nausea and vomiting.
7. Loosen your bra and always wear comfortable clothes.
8. Avoid using air fresheners that have a strong smell.
9. Inhale the aroma of fruits, such as lemon, orange, or mint.
10. Breathe fresh air and calm your mind.

If nausea and vomiting do not subside or actually get worse, immediately consult a doctor for treatment.

New drugs and vitamins will be given by the doctor if the pregnant woman experiences severe morning sickness symptoms. The doctor will give vitamin B6 supplements and anti-nausea drugs, such as metoclopramide or antihistamines that are safe for pregnant women. Pregnant women with severe morning sickness or hyperemesis gravidarum need to be hospitalized to avoid complications.

Complications of Morning Sickness

Morning sickness generally does not cause serious complications. However, if the morning sickness experienced by pregnant women is severe, it can indicate hyperemesis gravidarum. If it has reached this stage, some pregnancy complications that can occur are:

1. Dehydration.
2. Nutritional deficiencies.
3. Electrolyte disturbances.
4. Fetal development disorders.
5. Premature birth.

Morning Sickness Prevention

Morning sickness can be prevented by avoiding foods that can trigger nausea, such as foods that are too spicy, hot, or contain a lot of sugar. In addition, pregnant women are also advised to eat slowly, in smaller portions, but more often. When feeling nauseous, pregnant women can consume salty foods, toast, bananas, corn, biscuits, lemon juice, or beverage and food products containing ginger. If pregnant women feel the need to take anti-nausea medication, it is advisable to consult a doctor or midwife first.