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.Although not a disease, this condition commonly affects many women.  Morning sickness is best described as nausea or the feeling of being ill in the stomach and is caused by pregnancy. Fifty per cent or more of women who are pregnant may be affected.

Occurrences of vomiting and nausea are generally best described by the term morning sickness.  It is most likely to happen 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 a number of theories relating to the cause of morning sickness.As a rule, the precise root cause is not known.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. Nausea and vomiting can be one of the first signs of pregnancy and usually starts around the 6th week.

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 vomiting and nausea occur together.  Other signs include extreme tiredness or feeling sleepy, craving for certain foods, frequent urination, back pain and constipation.

Some expectant mothers may feel that their morning sickness is serious.  Usually however, there are no unfavourable effects on the mother and no negative effects which may harm the 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 comes to pass when persistent vomiting leads to 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. Eating frequently can offset the symptoms of nausea which tends to be felt the most when the stomach is empty.

Cold, simple foods comprising of seasonal produce are suggested.

Studies have proven that the consumption of ginger can help to relieve symptoms. Ginger can be consumed in the forms of hot and cold ginger drinks, or on toast with jam or in biscuits and cakes or other baked goods.

Eating, sucking or sniffing lemons can also be helpful. Another useful tip is to only consume liquids between meals and not with meals.