If you haven’t heard of morning sickness, then it’s likely that you haven’t been pregnant or around or near someone who has.The condition affects many women, but it is not categorised as a disease.  Morning sickness is best described as nausea or the feeling of being ill in the stomach and is caused by pregnancy. Approximately 50% of all pregnant women will be affected by the symptoms.

Occurrences of vomiting and nausea are generally best described by the term morning sickness.  It is most likely to occur in the early morning hours in pregnant women, hence the name.

There are two pieces of good news associated with morning sickness.  The first is that you can’t get sick whilst sleeping!  The second is that it is frequently a sign that your pregnancy is progressing normally, despite the fact that it can strike at any time.

Perhaps the most comforting fact about morning sickness is that it doesn’t last forever.

Morning Sickness Causes

There are several theories relating to the cause of morning sickness.  Generally, however, the exact cause is unknown.Having said that, the current belief today is the connection between morning sickness and the pregnancy hormone, gonadotropin.

Morning sickness is most prevalent in the first three to four months of pregnancy. Usually starting in the second month, some of the first signs can be vomiting and nausea.

Although common, symptoms surprisingly will only affect a small number of pregnant women (less than 10%), who have symptoms that continue beyond week 18 of pregnancy.

Morning Sickness Symptoms

The symptoms of morning sickness may vary widely with women experiencing a range of effects.The nausea and vomiting frequently go together like hand in glove.Symptoms include fatigue, sleepiness, constipation, back pain and food cravings.

Some expectant mothers may feel that their morning sickness is serious.You will pleased to know that there are usually no negative consequences upon either mother or baby.

Recent research indicates that morning sickness is helpful for the foetus.  It is now generally agreed that morning sickness can be a positive sign because it means the placenta is in a healthy state of growth

Numerous studies have shown that a lower risk of miscarriage may be associated with morning sickness.

The term given to severe morning sickness is Hyperemesis gravidarum. This occurs when continual vomiting causes both dehydration and weight loss.  The statistics are low.  About one in 1,000 pregnant women are affected by this form of morning sickness.

More severe symptoms of morning sickness may be felt by women expecting twins or multiple births.

Food & Morning Sickness

Morning sickness symptoms can be managed to some degree. Nausea tends to be at its worse on an empty stomach, so it is best to eat frequent, small meals.

Cold, simple foods comprising of seasonal produce are suggested.

Studies have proven that the consumption of ginger can help to relieve symptoms. It can be taken as ginger ale, ginger beer, ginger jam on toast, ginger drinks or even ginger cake or biscuits.

Lemons can help alleviate symptoms if eaten, sucked or used as a type of aromatherapy. It is worth remembering to drink liquids in between meals as opposed to an accompaniment to meals.