A common illness that many pregnant women encounter is morning sickness, which is usually characterized by nausea and vomiting. It is most common during the first trimester of pregnancy, but despite its name, it can happen at any time of day. The primary culprit behind morning sickness is the surge of hormones that accompany early pregnancy. So how to manage this? We got in touch with Dr Pooja Mehta, Senior Director and Unit Head – Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Marengo Asia Hospital Gurugram who shares causes, symptoms and ways to manage morning sickness.

Dr Pooja Mehta shares causes of morning sickness are as follows:

1. Although the cause of morning sickness is unknown, pregnancy-related hormonal changes are thought to be a contributing factor. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced by the placenta, is one of the main hormones involved. Especially in the early stages of pregnancy, elevated hCG levels are thought to play a role in nausea and vomiting.

2. Estrogen is an additional element; it is a hormone that increases dramatically during pregnancy. The gastrointestinal tract can be impacted by estrogen, which can alter digestion and raise the risk of nausea. Progesterone, another hormone that increases during pregnancy, can also slow down the digestive system, which may cause nausea.

3. A further possibility to be a contributing factor is the heightened sensitivity to certain foods and scents that might occur during pregnancy. The symptoms of morning sickness may worsen for women if they become allergic to flavours or fragrances that they used to like.

Dr Pooja Mehta explains a variety of symptoms ranging in intensity from moderate nausea to severe vomiting is indicative of morning sickness. Among the most typical symptoms are:

1. Vomiting: This can vary from rare occurrences to severe, frequent episodes, and if left untreated, can result in dehydration. While some women only throw up in the morning, others might do so at any time of the day.

2. Nausea: Often, the initial symptom of morning sickness is a bad or uneasy stomach. Although it can happen at any time of day, mornings are the most usual times for it to happen.

3. Appetite Loss: A lot of women who have morning sickness report feeling less hungry, which may be brought on by either nausea or a distaste for foods.

4. Fatigue: After experiencing nausea and vomiting, a woman's daily activities and general well-being may be negatively impacted by the physical toll that these symptoms take.

5. Dehydration: Excessive vomiting may lead to a state of dehydration that calls for medical intervention. Dizziness, dark urine, and dry mouth are signs of dehydration.

Dr Pooja Mehta shares that even though morning sickness is a common side effect of pregnancy for many women, there are ways to control and lessen the symptoms:

1. Modifications to Diet: Eating modest, frequent meals can help prevent nausea. Rice, toast, and crackers are examples of bland foods that may be easy on the stomach. Other well-known anti-nausea herbs include peppermint and ginger, which can be taken as supplements or as tea in the diet.

2. Hydration: It's important to maintain fluids, particularly if vomiting occurs frequently. Dehydration can be avoided by drinking electrolyte solutions, clear broths, or water. Steer clear of sugar-filled and caffeinated beverages as well.

3. Relaxation: Getting enough sleep is crucial to preventing morning sickness. It can be beneficial to take some time to relax and lower stress levels because tiredness and stress may worsen symptoms.

4. Avoiding Triggers: You can find relief by recognizing and staying away from foods and scents that make you feel queasy. Keeping a journal of the things that make your symptoms worse will help you manage them better.

5. Medical Interventions: When morning sickness is severe or chronic, medical attention may be required. Doctors can prescribe safe pregnancy medication to assist manage discomfort, like antihistamines or vitamin B6 supplements.

“Although morning sickness is typically a common aspect of pregnancy, it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious illness called hyperemesis gravidarum. Severe, ongoing vomiting is a symptom of this illness, which can cause malnutrition and dehydration. Hyperemesis gravidarum manifests as persistent vomiting, loss of body weight, and symptoms of dehydration. It's critical to get medical help as soon as possible if these symptoms are present,” she said.