Managing Morning Sickness

Managing Morning Sickness

Tips and Remedies for Alleviating Nausea and Vomiting

Morning sickness, characterised by nausea and vomiting, affects many women during the first trimester of pregnancy. While it can be uncomfortable, it’s often considered a sign that pregnancy hormones are doing their job. For some, symptoms may persist throughout pregnancy, though they usually subside by the second trimester. This handout will provide holistic strategies, including dietary and lifestyle remedies, to help alleviate morning sickness, all from a traditional nutrient-dense perspective.

1. Understanding Morning Sickness

Morning sickness typically begins around the 6th week of pregnancy and often peaks between weeks 8 and 12. Despite its name, nausea and vomiting can occur at any time of the day. The cause is not entirely understood, but it is believed to be linked to hormonal changes, especially rising levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and progesterone.

While morning sickness is common, it’s important to manage symptoms effectively to maintain maternal and foetal health. Severe nausea and vomiting that leads to dehydration or weight loss is known as hyperemesis gravidarum and may require medical attention.