Nothing can spoil the joy of being pregnant faster than the first wave of morning sickness. That feeling of nausea, tiredness, and vomiting can make even a beautiful morning difficult. Some women have it mildly, while others find it very hard to manage.

But why does morning sickness affect some women more than others? And more importantly, how can you deal with it safely?

What Is Morning Sickness?

Morning sickness is a common problem during pregnancy. It means feeling nauseous or like you want to vomit. Some women actually throw up, while others just feel sick most of the day.

It is called morning sickness, but it can happen any time of the day. It is most common in the first three months of pregnancy and usually gets better as you move towards the second trimester.

What Causes Morning Sickness During Pregnancy?

Doctors are still not completely sure about the exact cause of morning sickness. However, they believe it is caused by changes in pregnancy hormones — especially a hormone called hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which rises quickly in early pregnancy.

Other possible reasons include:

·  The smell of strong foods like fish, eggs, garlic, or perfume

·  Having an empty stomach for too long

·  Feeling tired or stressed

·  Sensitivity to some foods or smells

Every woman’s body reacts differently - some feel sick only sometimes, while others may have nausea all day.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Here are some common signs of morning sickness:

·       Feeling sick or vomiting several times a day

·       Loss of appetite

·       Feeling weak or tired

·       Dizziness when standing up

·       Dry mouth and dark-colored urine (a sign of dehydration)

·       Difficulty eating regular meals

If vomiting is frequent and you cannot keep food or liquids down, talk to your doctor immediately.

How Long Does Morning Sickness Last?

Morning sickness usually starts around the 6th week of pregnancy and goes away by the 14th week.
For most women, it gets better as they move into the second trimester.

For some women, it can last longer. If it continues, it is important to get medical help so that you don’t lose too much water or weight.

Does Morning Sickness Harm the Baby?

In most cases, morning sickness does not harm the baby. The fetus is safely protected inside the amniotic sac and remains unaffected by the mother’s vomiting.

However, if the nausea is severe and leads to constant vomiting and loss of appetite, it may cause dehydration and nutritional deficiencies. These can affect both the mother and the baby if not treated. So it is important to eat what you can and stay hydrated.

How To Deal With Morning Sickness

1. Know What Triggers You

Find out what smells or foods make you feel nauseous. For some, it may be cooking smells or perfumes. Try to avoid or limit these triggers.

2. Eat Small Meals

Instead of having three big meals, eat small meals every 2–3 hours. Keeping your stomach a little full helps reduce nausea.

3. Keep Snacks Handy

Always keep dry snacks like crackers, toast, or biscuits near your bed. Eat a few before you get out of bed in the morning to prevent nausea.

4. Avoid Greasy and Spicy Foods

Heavy, oily, or spicy foods can make nausea worse. Go for light, simple meals like khichdi, soup, or fruits.

5. Stay Hydrated

Drink enough fluids during the day. Sip on lemon water, coconut water, herbal tea, or plain water. Avoid drinking too much at once. Take small sips throughout the day.

6. Rest Well

Tiredness can make nausea worse. Try to get enough rest and short naps when possible.

7. Get Fresh Air

Step outside for some fresh air or open a window. Sometimes, a change in air can make a big difference.

Safe Morning Sickness Medications

Never take over the counter medicines during pregnancy. Doctors can prescribe safe medicines that reduce vomiting.

Some supplements like iron tablets may make nausea worse. Your doctor can change the dose or time of taking them.

Vitamin B6 may help reduce nausea for some women. But take it only under medical advice.

Simple Home Remedies for Morning Sickness

1. Ginger

Ginger helps calm the stomach and reduce nausea. You can try ginger tea, ginger candies, or just a small piece of raw ginger.

2. Lemon

The smell or taste of lemon can make you feel better. You can drink lemon water or keep a slice of lemon nearby to smell when nausea starts.

3. Mint

Mint leaves or mint tea have a cooling effect. They help freshen your mouth and reduce the feeling of vomiting.

4. Crackers or Toast

Plain carbohydrates like dry toast or biscuits help settle the stomach. Keep some near your bed for easy access.

5. Cold Foods

Sometimes, cold food items like fruit salads, yogurt, or smoothies are easier to eat than hot meals, which may have strong smells.

Is Morning Sickness a Good Sign?

Many people say morning sickness is a sign of a healthy pregnancy because it shows that your body has high levels of pregnancy hormones. However, this is just a belief and not a fact.

Many women never experience nausea and still have perfectly healthy babies. So, if you don’t have morning sickness, don’t worry. Every pregnancy is unique.

When to See a Doctor

See your doctor immediately if you:

·       Vomit more than 3-4 times a day

·       Lose a lot of weight

·       Feel dizzy or weak all the time

·       Can’t keep any food or water down

·       Notice dark-colored urine or signs of dehydration

These can be signs of a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum, which needs medical treatment.

Pregnancy is a special journey, and morning sickness is just a small part of it. It is just a matter of time and a little extra care, you will go through it.