Nausea in pregnancy is commonly known as morning sickness, although this term doesn’t encompass the full range of possible experiences. While some women may only experience nausea and vomiting in the morning, pregnancy sickness can occur at any time of the day or night.
The intensity of symptoms varies among women. Some may feel mildly queasy unless they maintain a full stomach, while others may experience severe illness, including vomiting even after consuming plain water.
Continue reading to gain insights into nighttime morning sickness, discover ways to cope with this condition, and understand when it’s advisable to seek assistance.
Causes
The exact reasons behind the occurrence of pregnancy sickness remain unclear to doctors. It is likely that hormonal changes during pregnancy and individual responses to these changes play a role. In some rare instances, unrelated conditions such as thyroid or liver disease may lead to particularly severe nausea or vomiting. Women carrying twins or multiples might also experience more pronounced sickness.
Nausea in pregnancy typically begins before the ninth week, with some women even experiencing it as early as two weeks after conception. The onset, duration, and severity of sickness vary among women, with some experiencing it early, later, or not at all. While morning sickness may last for a few weeks or months, it generally tends to ease up near the end of the first trimester.
For some women, nausea and vomiting persist throughout the entire pregnancy, a more severe form known as hyperemesis gravidarum. This condition affects only about three percent of women and is diagnosed when a woman has lost five percent of her prepregnancy weight. It often requires medical intervention to manage dehydration.
Does morning sickness at night mean you’re having a girl or boy?
The timing of nausea during pregnancy doesn’t seem strongly correlated with the baby’s sex. Nevertheless, certain studies propose that women who undergo hyperemesis gravidarum may have a higher likelihood of carrying girls.
Treatment and prevention
While there’s no foolproof method to completely prevent morning sickness, certain lifestyle adjustments may offer relief from nausea, regardless of when it occurs. It might require some experimentation, as what works on one day may not be effective the next.
Consider eating something before getting out of bed each morning to prevent an empty stomach, opting for bland foods like dry toast or saltine crackers. Steer clear of triggers, such as strong smells, that induce nausea. Taking short walks for fresh air, even around the block, may help alleviate nausea. Incorporating ginger into your routine, either through ginger tea or capsules, can also be beneficial.
Consult with your doctor about alternative therapies like acupressure, acupuncture, aromatherapy, or hypnosis, which might provide relief. Taking a daily prenatal multivitamin is recommended, either over the counter or as prescribed by your doctor.
If you experience nighttime nausea, maintain a diary to identify triggers. Assess whether your stomach is empty, if certain foods contribute to discomfort, or if specific measures provide relief. Your daily multivitamin could also be a factor; try taking it at a different time of day or with a small snack. If persistent, consult your doctor for alternative multivitamin options or advice on meeting nutritional needs without causing discomfort, as some individuals may be sensitive to the iron content.
When to seek help
Mild to moderate morning sickness typically doesn’t adversely affect your baby’s health. If lifestyle adjustments prove ineffective, there are alternative treatments available:
- Vitamin B-6 and doxylamine: These over-the-counter (OTC) options are often the initial approach to combat nausea. Prescription drugs combining these two ingredients are also available and are generally considered safe during pregnancy, either individually or in combination.
- Antiemetic drugs: If Vitamin B-6 and doxylamine are insufficient, antiemetic drugs can be prescribed to prevent vomiting. Safety varies among these drugs during pregnancy, and your doctor is the best source for evaluating the benefits and risks in your specific case.
For individuals experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum, immediate medical attention may be necessary. Inability to retain any food or liquids poses risks to both your health and your developing baby. Complications related to the thyroid, liver, and fluid balance may also arise.
Watch for symptoms such as:
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Passing only small amounts of dark-colored urine, indicating dehydration
- Inability to retain liquids
- Feeling faint or dizzy upon standing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Vomiting blood
Intense episodes of nausea and vomiting may require a hospital stay to replenish fluids and vitamins through an intravenous (IV) line. Additional medications may be administered in the hospital, and in some instances, your doctor might recommend tube feeding to ensure adequate nutrient intake for both you and your baby.
Tips for staying healthy
If you find it challenging to maintain your regular diet, don’t fret too much; often, relief is expected after the first trimester. Meanwhile, consider the following tips:
- Frequent Small Meals: Keep your stomach consistently filled, but avoid excessive fullness by consuming small meals every one or two hours.
- “BRAT” Diet: Opt for a “BRAT” diet consisting of bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, and tea. These choices are low in fat and easy to digest.
- Protein Inclusion: Enhance your meals and snacks with protein sources such as nuts, seeds, beans, dairy, and nut butters.
- Hydration: Stay well-hydrated with regular intake of fluids, including plain water. Beverages containing electrolytes can aid in preventing dehydration.
- Sleep Considerations: If morning sickness disrupts your sleep, avoid lying down immediately after meals. When getting out of bed, rise gradually, and strive to rest during the day when possible.
If these measures prove insufficient, consult your doctor about the possibility of taking vitamin B-6 and doxylamine. Doxylamine, found in Unisom SleepTabs, an over-the-counter sleep aid, may assist with both sleep and nausea due to its drowsiness-inducing side effect when taken at night.
Take away: morning sickness can pose a significant challenge during pregnancy. Seek support from friends and family, identify triggers, and experiment with various lifestyle adjustments until you discover a combination that suits you. Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor for treatment options and additional guidance.
