Are you feeling queasy and fatigued? Are you feeling like avoiding certain foods? Have you vomited? If you are pregnant, then you are experiencing morning sickness. Morning sickness is not a pleasant experience, but it is very common.
I remember being newly pregnant and wondering “What does morning sickness feel like?” Then, I woke up one morning feeling awful. When morning sickness hits, you will know. But, it does vary from one pregnant mom to the next. Let’s talk about morning sickness to prepare you.
Why Does Morning Sickness Happen?
Morning sickness is when pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting generally during the first trimester. Don’t let the name fool you – morning sickness does not just happen in the morning. You may have these symptoms throughout the day.
There are several possible reasons for morning sickness. The rapid increase of hCG and estrogen along with other hormones in pregnancy may contribute to morning sickness. Additionally, pregnant women are sensitive to smells, so some smells may cause a gag reflex.
What Does Morning Sickness Feel Like?
Morning sickness has a variety of symptoms. Some women experience very mild morning sickness, while others’ is more severe. For some women, the symptoms are mild and they do not feel sick much at all.
It is more common for women to feel sick at certain times during the day, but they can alleviate some of the nauseated feeling by resting and eating bland foods.
However, some women experience severe morning sickness known as hyperemesis gravidarum. This is rare. In this situation, the pregnant mom vomits frequently becoming dehydrated and weak. If you experience these symptoms, you must seek medical attention.
Morning sickness varies from woman to woman and from one pregnancy to the next. During my first pregnancy, I experienced very mild morning sickness rarely even feeling ill. But, during my second pregnancy, I experienced morning sickness symptoms throughout the entire first trimester and spent a lot of time laying on the couch.
Nausea
Feeling queasy is a symptom of morning sickness, which is also known as feeling nauseated. Some women describe this feeling as being like motion sickness or a hangover.
It is generally an uncomfortable feeling that leaves you feeling less than your best. I suggest eating and staying hydrated to avoid an empty stomach as this may make you feel nauseated.
Vomiting
Nausea often leads to vomiting with morning sickness. Many women experience this unfortunate morning sickness symptom. However, vomiting may even occur without feeling nauseated.
Some women vomit and feel fine – others feel queasy throughout the day. Certain foods and smells may trigger vomiting.
Food and Smell Aversions
During the first trimester, it is very common for women to develop aversions to foods and smells. A woman may suddenly feel sick at the thought of eating something you usually eats. Or a smell may make her feel queasy.
This is because many women have an enhanced sense of smell during pregnancy. The nurse from Intermountain Moms provides some basic information about dealing with this issue.
Headaches
Some women also suffer with headaches during this first trimester because of hormonal changes. Morning Sickness Info explains that headaches “are typically blamed on an increased blood volume that is associated with hormone changes.”
The best help for these pregnancy-induced headaches is rest and staying hydrated.
Fatigue
Finally, one of the most common signs of early pregnancy is fatigue. If you are feeling exhausted, this is normal and to be expected during the first trimester. Your body is working hard at developing the baby growing inside you, so you a bound to feel tired.
Helpful Tips for Dealing with Morning Sickness
If you are dealing with morning sickness (especially with feeling nauseated and/or vomiting), you should stick to eating bland foods such as crackers. In addition to eating bland foods, you should also try to eat several small snack-like meals throughout the day.
You should also be sure to stay hydrated. Keep a water bottle with you at all times and take sips from it often. Also, keeping your vitamin and mineral level up is very important. Ingredients like spirulina that are found in health supplements can be great for when you're wanting to build your strength. Several women have found relief by adding ginger to their diet. Ginger comes in many forms, which each offer relief for queasiness. While some women like ginger tea, others choose to eat ginger candies such as Gin-Gins Natural Hard Candy..
Finally, you should try to get rest. I know this is easier said than done, but it will help tremendously if you can get some rest while you are experiencing morning sickness.
To Wrap Up
If you are experiencing queasiness, vomiting, food and smell aversions, headaches, and/or fatigue while pregnant, you are dealing with morning sickness. In addition to stay hydrated and eating bland foods, you may also try ginger products such as Gin-Gins to help with morning sickness.
When dealing with morning sickness, stay positive. It does not last forever, and your body is working hard to help your baby grow. After reading through this article, do you have any questions? Please leave us questions in the comment section.
