Like we wish it was only mornings for starters
One of the first things that come to mind when we think of pregnancy is sickness. It is a theme that features in all pregnancies we see on TV or in books. We know that it is a normal symptom and we come to expect it. But is it as black and white as that? Does everyone experience morning sickness? Should you worry if you don't experience it? Is it possible to get it worse than another woman?
We're bringing you our top 10 facts about morning sickness.
- At least 75% of women experience some kind of nausea or vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Although it's commonly referred to “morning sickness” the nausea and vomiting can strike at any time throughout the day and for many women occurs all day.
- It is believed that the HCG hormone (which rises rapidly during pregnancy) is the reason for the feeling of nausea during early pregnancy, It is also thought to be connected to a pregnant woman's heightened sense of smell.
- Many women have healthy pregnancies and claim to experience zero nausea throughout.
- Many women feel that constant snacking helps keep the nausea at a manageable level as the feeling of hunger accentuates the feeling of sickness. Fatty or spicy foods can enhance the nausea also. Many choose plain foods such as toast or plain crackers. Ginger is a popular choice too. Ginger tea and ginger biscuits for example.
- When a woman's nausea becomes so intense that she cannot keep food or fluids down it may be considered Hypermesis Gravidarum. This involves a treatment plan which may include medication and or being checked in to hospital for IV fluids.
- Every pregnancy is different. The same woman can experience dreadful nausea on one pregnancy and none on a subsequent one.
- Morning sickness does not harm your unborn baby. If you are having trouble keeping food down there is a good chance your baby will still get the nutrients that it needs to grow and develop healthily.
- The level of nausea has no medical connection between the gender of your baby. It an urban myth that more or less nausea points at your baby being a particular gender.
- Adjusting your computer settings can actually help reduce the nausea. Many women find that the bright screen and small font causes them to squint which triggers the nausea. Lowering the brightness and changing to a larger fault may help.
Written by Emma Hayes, staff writer at Family Friendly HQ