Morning Sickness

Morning Sickness is a term used to indicate nausea and vomiting experienced by pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy. Morning sickness affects different women differently. While some have trouble keeping any food down for a few months, others may not have too much discomfort. During the first trimester, the pregnant woman's body undergoes major changes to accommodate the growing fetus. There are chemical changes in the body caused by rapidly increasing levels of estrogen and progesterone. There is also considerable build-up of hCG in the initial months of pregnancy. There is a severe condition of morning sickness - Hyperemesis Gravidarum that can be life threatening.

Tips to combat morning sickness:

• Eat small meals at frequent intervals.
  
• Avoid spicy and greasy food
  
• Avoid coffee and alcohol
  
• Snack on plain crackers, dry toast or dry cereal.
  
• Keep yourself well hydrated with plenty of water and fluids.
  
• Avoid smells that bother you.
  
• Supplements of Vitamin B6 can help alleviate morning sickness.
  
• Drink ginger tea or peppermint tea to combat nausea.
  

Pregnancy Symptoms

Early pregnancy symptoms vary from woman to woman. Some are able to experience pregnancy signs and symptoms within days of conception whereas it takes weeks for others to experience even the earliest sign of pregnancy.

Nausea and Vomiting: Many women experience illness in the morning as the early symptom of pregnancy. Though this particular symptom is referred to as morning sickness, some women tend to feel nauseous throughout the day. This early sign of pregnancy can be tackled to some extent by eating small frequent meals. This earliest symptom of pregnancy is at its peak around 8 to 10 weeks when the hormone levels are highest. Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of morning sickness that affects some women and results in dehydration and even hospitalization.

Increased sensitivity: Another early symptom of pregnancy is tenderness in the breasts. Increasing amount of HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) hormone is responsible for this symptom. A pregnant woman may find herself highly sensitive to certain aromas and smells. This symptom of pregnancy is also a result of the increasing estrogen in the system. Food aversions and cravings are common when a woman is pregnant. This may manifest itself in the early period of pregnancy or last throughout the pregnancy.

Frequent urination:Since a growing uterus applies pressure on the bladder, there may be a need for frequent urination. This early sign of pregnancy is felt within a week or two of conception.

Fainting or Dizzy spells: Blood pressure may drop on account of the growing fetus compressing the major arteries. HCG levels move from 0 - 250, 000 in a short span of time. This is accompanied by increased amounts of progesterone in the body, which accounts for tiredness and sluggishness when a woman is pregnant.

Mild bleeding: Spotting sometimes can occur when the fertilized egg burrows into the endometrial lining. This pregnancy symptom leads many a woman to believe that they have had their menstrual period. This is referred to as 'implantation bleeding' and is experienced by only few women when they are pregnant.

Heartburn and Constipation: Bowel functions are slowed so as to gain maximum absorption time for vitamins and nutrients. This condition can sometimes last throughout the pregnancy. A swollen uterus along with increasing levels of HCG lead to slower digestion and heartburn is a resultant condition.

Missed period: This is the most obvious and early sign and symptom of pregnancy. This will also coincide with high basal body temperature. A home pregnancy test can be taken to confirm the pregnancy by women if they think they are pregnant. There are rare cases of women even women having their period throughout their pregnancy.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a severe form of morning sickness that is characterized by rapid weight loss and dehydration. Women suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum usually have unrelenting vomiting that can lead to electrolyte imbalance and malnutrition. Severe cases of Hyperemesis Gravidarum have to be hospitalized to monitor the nutrition and hydration levels of the expectant mother. While hormonal changes are the likely cause Hyperemesis Gravidarum, pancreatitis, hepatitis, hyperthyroidism or peptic ulcer disease may also be the cause. Women suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum are tested for thyroid function, liver function and blood urea and creatinine. Intravenous fluids are administered to prevent dehydration.