Morning sickness characterized by nausea and vomiting affects more than one half of all pregnant women. It is one of the most common signs of early pregnancy and typically starts in about 6th week most commonly in the morning hours. Fortunately, morning sickness lasts only to about 12th week which is not particularly comforting if being in 7th week.
The causes of morning sickness are not exactly known but nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are most likely caused by hormonal changes. Morning sickness is usually triggered by certain smells and tastes which normally do not cause nausea. It usually does not represent any health risks for the pregnant woman nor for the fetus but in rare cases severe vomiting can cause dehydration and prevent a healthy weight gain, while the baby can be born underweight. For that reason severer cases of morning sickness require medical treatment.
Morning sickness most commonly occurs in women who are prone to motion sickness, women who suffer from migraines and women expecting twins or other multiples. However, considering the vast majority of pregnant women cannot avoid morning sickness it is wise to know how to relieve it. It might be helpful to regularly eat breakfast, having snacks frequently and rather eat five to six smaller meals instead three large ones, drinking a lot of fluids, drinking ginger ale or lemonade with honey, avoid tastes and smells which trigger nausea and taking daily walks. If nothing helps and if you unable to retain any food or fluid you should immediately visit you health care provider.
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