Dealing with pregnancy’s dreaded morning sickness

While every woman looks forward to having a baby, the morning sickness during pregnancy is no walk in the park especially if one doesn’t know how to deal with it.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

While every woman looks forward to having a baby, the morning sickness during pregnancy is no walk in the park especially if one doesn’t know how to deal with it.

Morning sickness, which is mostly summarized by nausea and vomiting, affects about three quarters of pregnant women during the first trimester. Nausea usually starts around the sixth week of pregnancy, but it can also begin as early as four weeks, according to The Baby Center.

According to the Net Doctor, the degree of nausea and vomiting varies. Some women are only sick in the morning while others suffer with constant nausea and vomit throughout the day.

If one is dehydrated then they are more likely to suffer from morning sickness during pregnancy, according to Agatha Mutamba, a Midwife at the Rwanda Military Hospital.

She advises that pregnant women should have plenty of healthy drinks such as water and juice to avoid nausea.

"Drinks containing caffeine and alcohol should however be avoided because they aren’t good for pregnancy. Lots of spices and fatty foods can also increase the risk of nausea and vomiting therefore you should opt for foods with little or no oil and minimize spices,” she says.

Mutamba also adds that dry snacks like crackers, Pringles and even dry biscuits are helpful.

The Net Doctors Michael Bowen and Jennifer Wylie advise that eating little and often, every two or three hours is better than eating a huge meal. Food and drinks containing ginger can help reduce nausea.

Further tips from the Net Doctors include resting throughout the day whenever possible, avoiding sudden movements, avoid brushing your teeth after eating as this can make you vomit and avoid smells that make you feel sick.

However, if you over vomit and the vomit contains blood, then Mutamba advises that you seek immediate medical attention.