Causes of Nausea during Pregnancy

How does nausea affect me during pregnancy?

Nausea (feeling of sickness) and vomiting during pregnancy, which is commonly known as morning sickness, is a very frequently encountered problem. The term morning sickness is deceptive as it can occur at any time of the day or night, and some women might feel sick all day long. Even though it is unpleasant, the good news is it does not put your baby at any increased risk and mostly resolves by 16 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. However, about 1 in 10 women continue to feel sick after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

How common is morning sickness?

Tiredness, nausea and vomiting are common during early pregnancy. Approximately 80% of all pregnant women feel sick during the first 12 weeks and about 50% of all pregnant women experience vomiting.

Can nausea be a good indication for pregnancy?

There is nothing to worry, as research has proved that nausea and vomiting can be a sign of a healthy pregnancy as it signifies that you are experiencing the normal surge in hormones necessary during this stage.
Some of the experts have even proposed theories that nausea during pregnancy can:

Decrease your baby’s exposure to possible dangerous substances in your diet
Encourage you to eat nutritious and carbohydrate-rich foods

How do I manage nausea during pregnancy?

In order to manage your early symptoms, here are some changes you can make to your diet and daily routine:

Get plenty of rest, as tiredness can worsen nausea.
Drink adequate amounts of fluids, such as water, and keep sipping them little repeatedly.
Eat small amounts of food often, rather than large meals.
Prefer eating cold meals rather than hot ones as they do not give off the smell that can induce nausea.
Avoid any smell or food that seems to make you feel sick.
Keep yourself distracted and occupied as much as you can, as nausea can bother you more if you keep thinking about it.

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