The most common disorder in pregnancy is nausea and vomiting, also known as morning sickness.
While often referred to as "morning sickness," it can occur at any time of day.
This condition affects approximately 70-85% of pregnant women.
Nausea and vomiting are usually mild and resolve on their own by the second trimester.
Possible causes of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy include:
- Hormonal changes: The surge in hormones like estrogen and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can trigger nausea and vomiting.
- Changes in the digestive system: Pregnancy hormones can also affect the digestive system, slowing down digestion and causing nausea.
- Increased sensitivity to smells: Pregnant women may experience heightened sensitivity to certain smells, which can trigger nausea.
Tips to manage nausea and vomiting:
- Eat small, frequent meals: Avoid large meals that can overload your stomach.
- Choose bland foods: Stick to foods that are easy to digest, like crackers, toast, or rice.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water or ginger ale.
- Avoid trigger foods: Identify foods that worsen your nausea and avoid them.
- Ginger: Ginger can help reduce nausea. You can consume it in various forms, such as ginger tea, ginger candies, or ginger supplements.
- Acupressure: Applying pressure to specific points on your wrist can help alleviate nausea.
- Talk to your doctor: If your symptoms are severe or persistent, consult your doctor.
