Heights OBGYN

Morning Sickness

Morning sickness: Help for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy

Morning sickness is nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Although it typically occurs in the morning, our San Antonio OBGYNS explain that it can happen at any time of day and affects up to 70% of women. For women who experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, it typically begins before the ninth week and lessens or ends by the 13th week. However, a very small percentage of women will experience symptoms until delivery.

Why is this happening?

The cause isn’t known, but it is likely associated with the fluctuations in hormones, blood pressure, metabolism and blood sugar that occur during pregnancy.

Environmental factors, such as smells, heat and motion, can worsen symptoms. Fatigue and stress may also have an impact.

Easing the symptoms of morning sickness

How can morning sickness symptoms be reduced? There are three areas in which a woman can make changes to decrease her symptoms: diet, lifestyle and medication.

  • Eat five or six small meals throughout the day to avoid hunger without feeling overly full.
  • Avoid spicy and fatty foods. Eating bland foods might be necessary.
  • Keep a few plain crackers by your bed to eat at night or before you get up in the morning.
  • Always have snacks available when away from home.
  • Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine.
  • Take prenatal vitamins with food or right before bed.
  • Keep your home and work well-ventilated to prevent unpleasant odors.
  • Get as much sleep as possible.

If diet and lifestyle changes do not help with your symptoms, contact your OBGYN about treatment options. Vitamin B (100 mg or less per day) is often recommended to reduce symptoms. The doctor may also suggest doxylamine. Both treatments are over the counter at drugstores.

If necessary, there are prescription medications, including Diclegis, available for women who don’t respond to other treatments. A woman should contact her OBGYN before taking any vitamins, supplements or medications while pregnant.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a more serious condition

Morning sickness is not harmful to a woman or her baby. However, continuous nausea that prevents you from eating or drinking, or the inability to keep food down, may indicate a more serious condition and may require medical attention.

There is a condition with severe nausea and vomiting called hyperemesis gravidarum that occurs in fewer than 3% of women. It is defined by vomiting more than three times a day, loss of 10 pounds or more, and dehydration.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your OBGYN. You may need medication or an IV to provide hydration. Medical attention is necessary for women with hyperemesis gravidarum to ensure the baby gets proper nutrition and is a healthy weight at birth.

Our San Antonio OBGYNs are available to help you get through nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and have the healthiest possible pregnancy. Contact Heights OBGYN for an appointment to help reduce symptoms of morning sickness.