Morning Sickness During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Overview
Morning sickness is a common condition during pregnancy characterized by nausea, with or without vomiting. Despite its name, morning sickness can occur at any time of the day or night, not just in the morning.
Many pregnant women experience morning sickness, especially during the first trimester. While symptoms usually improve as pregnancy progresses, some women may continue to experience nausea throughout the entire pregnancy. In most cases, symptoms can be relieved through simple home remedies or over-the-counter medications.
In rare cases, morning sickness becomes severe and develops into a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which requires medical attention.
Symptoms of Morning Sickness
Common symptoms include:
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Nausea with or without vomiting
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Increased sensitivity to smells
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Nausea triggered by certain foods
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Loss of appetite
Morning sickness typically begins before the ninth week of pregnancy and often improves by the middle or end of the second trimester.
When to See a Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:
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Little or no urination, or dark-colored urine
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Inability to keep liquids down
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Dizziness or fainting when standing
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Rapid heartbeat
These symptoms may indicate dehydration or a more serious condition.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of morning sickness characterized by:
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Persistent and excessive vomiting
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Loss of more than 5% of pre-pregnancy body weight
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Severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
Women with this condition often require hospitalization for proper treatment.
Causes of Morning Sickness
The exact cause of morning sickness is unknown. However, hormonal changes during pregnancy, particularly increased levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), are believed to play a major role.
In rare cases, nausea and vomiting may be caused by medical conditions unrelated to pregnancy, such as:
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Thyroid disorders
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Gallbladder disease
Risk Factors
Morning sickness can affect any pregnant woman, but it is more common among women who:
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Experienced nausea or vomiting before pregnancy
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Had morning sickness in a previous pregnancy
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Are carrying twins or multiples
Hyperemesis gravidarum may be more common in women who:
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Are pregnant with a female fetus
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Have a personal or family history of hyperemesis gravidarum
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Experienced hyperemesis gravidarum in a previous pregnancy
Complications
Mild to moderate nausea and vomiting during pregnancy usually do not cause harm. However, untreated severe symptoms may lead to:
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Dehydration
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Electrolyte imbalance
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Reduced urination
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Extreme fatigue
Research findings are mixed regarding whether hyperemesis gravidarum affects fetal growth or birth weight.
Treatment and Symptom Relief
Common ways to relieve morning sickness include:
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Eating small, frequent meals
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Drinking ginger tea or ginger-based beverages
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Avoiding strong smells and trigger foods
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Using safe over-the-counter medications under medical supervision
Prevention
There is no guaranteed way to prevent morning sickness. However, taking prenatal vitamins before and during pregnancy may help reduce symptom severity.
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