When It's More Than Just Nausea
Apr 12 '02
The Bottom Line The term morning sickness is commonly and mistakenly used. Most women who experience morning sickness are plagued with it the entire day, not just during the a.m. hours.
I posted this review several months back, and then removed it after many of the editorial topics were closed. I have since updated it and added more information on helping to ease the nausea related to morning sickness in hopes that it will help someone!
The term morning sickness is commonly and mistakenly used. Most women who experience morning sickness are plagued with it the entire day, not just during the a.m. hours. Some women go on to develop a severe case of morning sickness known as Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Women suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum experience severe nausea and vomiting, dehydration, dry heaves and weight loss. The loss of fluids is dangerous not only to the mother but to the fetus as well, and hospitalization is usually required.
Once in the hospital, intravenous fluids will be administered immediately to replenish the lost fluids. A combination of anti-nausea medications will be given to combat any further fluid loss caused by uncontrollable vomiting. Most hospitals will draw blood and run further tests to rule out any other reasons for the nausea and vomiting. Urine samples will be taken to check on the ketones found in urine, to ensure that they are not dropping. Solid foods will not be allowed until the vomiting and nausea subsides, once it does, a liquid diet will be the only thing allowed for the first 24 hours.
Most women are able to leave the hospital within 48-72 hours after having been admitted, as long as the vomiting has subsided and the body has been replenished of its fluids. Back at home, it is important for the woman to get plenty of rest, allowing her body to fully recover from the dehydration. Most doctors will prescribe the same anti-nausea medications that were given in the hospital, to be taken at home.
As with even the mildest cases of morning sickness, it is important, when experiencing nausea, to try to eat small and frequent meals. For those recuperating from dehydration, small, bland meals with plenty of carbohydrates are important. Foods like potatoes, rice, dry or hot cereals, oatmeal and breads are good foods to try. Try to avoid anything spicy, as not only the taste, but the smell of it cooking can cause a recurrence of nausea. Fluids are important as well, and drinking whatever can be kept on the stomach, whether it's water or juice, is a necessity.
In most cases, Hyperemesis Gravidarum will ease up anywhere between weeks 16-20. Some women may continue to experience it a little bit longer, and in rare cases, throughout their entire pregnancies. It is unclear what causes such severe cases of morning sickness, but pregnancies with multiple fetuses are most likely to develop Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Old Wives tales predict that those carrying a girl are more likely to develop not only morning sickness, but severe cases as well.
It is important for any woman experiencing more than the occasional nausea and vomiting to contact her health care giver. While not all cases of morning sickness turn into Hyperemesis Gravidarum, it is best to rule it out as early as possible. If morning sickness is ever accompanied by violent vomiting, severe nausea, dry heaves, drastic weight loss, or extreme fatigue, a health care giver should be notified immediately.
While morning sickness cannot be alleviated all together, there are some home remedies that can help to ease the nausea some. Many women find that sour foods such as lemons or pickles can help ease nausea. There are even websites that sell sour suckers and popsicles just for pregnant women. On the opposite end of the spectrum, some morning sickness sufferers find that sweet foods such as peppermint, spearmint or fruit helps.
Some women have had success easing morning sickness with vitamins such as B6 and K&C. It is important to check with a doctor before beginning any vitamin regimen during pregnancy. If vitamins don't help, there are prescription drugs that can be prescribed by a doctor. These medications can help ease the nausea and stop vomiting, but most will cause severe drowsiness.
Many women have also found that taking the prescribed prenatal vitamin can actually make the nausea worse. Try taking the vitamin right before going to bed. If this doesn't work, ask a doctor about switching to a chewable children's vitamin temporarily.
Again, if the nausea and vomiting is severe and you are unable to keep anything on your stomach, notify your doctor!
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