Tips for Managing Morning Sickness

Misery loves company, and if you have morning sickness, you are not alone. About 70% of pregnant women experience the unpleasantness of nausea and vomiting. It happens morning, noon or night, despite the popular name of the condition. About three percent of women have a more severe condition called hyperemesis gravidarum that can cause serious dehydration or other troubles that may even require hospitalization. Our San Antonio OBGYNs can help with managing morning sickness to help you feel better.

Do’s and don’ts for managing morning sickness

The symptoms usually begin around the ninth week of pregnancy, but they can start as early as six weeks in. Most women only feel sick during the first trimester, but some women experience problems during the second and third trimesters, too.

Our obstetrics team has several suggestions to help you manage nausea and vomiting.

Do’s for managing symptoms

• Eat smaller meals throughout the day.
• Drink your fluids about 30 minutes before or after meals. Remember to drink fluids in small amounts all day.
• Eat bland foods, especially at night.
• Try eating crackers first thing in the morning, while lying in bed for 10 or 15 minutes before getting up.
• Avoid getting too hot or overheated.

Certain foods can be helpful in managing morning sickness, including foods that contain ginger, salty snacks, lemon, peppermint tea, protein shakes and dairy products.

Helpful don’ts

• Don’t prepare or eat spicy foods.
• Don’t expose yourself to strong food odors.
• Don’t take your prenatal vitamin in the morning. Instead, take it with a light, bland snack before you go to bed.
• Don’t lie flat right after meals.

See our OBGYNs if you have hyperemesis gravidarum or other severe symptoms

Sometimes, you throw up so often that it causes dehydration. If you have any of the following signs, you should call our San Antonio OBGYNs and get help with managing morning sickness.

• Small amounts of dark urine
• Inability to urinate
• Dizziness or feeling like fainting when standing up
• Pounding or racing heart
• Unable to keep liquids down

If you have severe nausea and vomiting, you should see our physicians to determine if you are one of the small percentage of women who have hyperemesis gravidarum or another condition. We can inform you about supplements, prescription medication or even hospitalization if needed to get the condition under control.

Our San Antonio OBGYNs provide compassionate, expert pregnancy care

Pregnancy is a joyful time, but feeling lousy is never fun. Our experienced team of San Antonio OBGYNs is here to help you navigate the ups and downs of pregnancy with highly skilled obstetrics care. Contact us for an appointment and help with managing morning sickness.