If you've ever been pregnant or know someone who's been pregnant, then you're probably familiar with the term "morning sickness." It's that feeling of nausea and vomiting that many women experience during pregnancy. But when exactly does morning sickness start? And why is it called "morning" sickness anyway? Today we'll answer these questions and more in our ultimate guide to morning sickness.
What is Morning Sickness?
Before we get into the nitty gritty of when morning sickness starts, let's talk about what it actually is. Morning sickness is a common occurrence during pregnancy, affecting up to 80% of expecting mothers. While it typically occurs during the first trimester (weeks 1-12), some women may experience it throughout their entire pregnancy.
Fun fact: Despite its name, morning sickness can occur at any time of day - not just in the morning!
Common symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
It's important to note that while unpleasant, morning sickness isn't usually harmful to you or your baby. However, if your symptoms are severe and interfering with your daily life (e.g., causing dehydration), be sure to speak with your healthcare provider.
When Does Morning Sickness Start?
Now for the moment you've all been waiting for: when can you expect those dreaded feelings of nausea to set in? Unfortunately, there's no straightforward answer as every woman experiences pregnancy differently. Some might feel queasy immediately after conception while others may never experience any form of morning sickness at all.
That being said, most cases tend to start around week 6 (counting from the first day of your last menstrual period). It typically peaks between weeks 8-10 before gradually tapering off towards week 13 or so.
Pro-tip: If you're trying to conceive, it might be a good idea to start tracking your symptoms early on. That way you can prepare for any possible morning sickness down the line.
What Causes Morning Sickness?
Ah, the million-dollar question - what exactly is causing all this unpleasantness? Unfortunately, there's no clear answer yet but here are some of the most common theories:
- Hormonal changes: During pregnancy, your body goes through a myriad of hormonal changes which can trigger nausea.
- Increased sense of smell: If you suddenly find yourself repulsed by certain smells that never bothered you before (e.g., coffee), blame those hormones again!
- Low blood sugar: With so much energy going towards growing a tiny human inside you, it's not surprising if your blood sugar levels take a hit.
- Evolutionary reasons: Some researchers believe that morning sickness evolved as an instinctual reaction against potentially harmful substances in food during early pregnancy.
Whatever the reason may be, remember that this too shall pass! In the meantime, try out these remedies for relief.
Remedies for Morning Sickness
If you're looking for some natural ways to ease the effects of morning sickness - look no further. Here are some tried and true remedies:
Eat small meals frequently throughout the day
This will help keep your blood sugar stable and prevent long periods without eating which can lead to increased nausea.
Stay hydrated
Dehydration can make nausea worse so it's important to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Try sipping on water or ginger tea instead of chugging large amounts at once.
Pro-tip: Adding lemon or lime slices to water can also help reduce feelings of queasiness!
Avoid triggers
If certain smells or foods set off your nausea then avoid them whenever possible. Common culprits include strong perfumes/colognes, spicy foods and fatty/greasy meals.
Acupressure
Some pregnant women swear by acupressure bands (which can be found online or at most drugstores). These wristbands apply constant pressure to specific points on the wrist, supposedly helping to alleviate feelings of nausea.
Rest
Last but not least, give yourself permission to rest! Pregnancy is hard work so take a nap whenever you can and slow down your overall pace until your sickness passes.
Final Thoughts
Morning sickness may be an unpleasant side effect of pregnancy but it doesn't have to control you. Remember that every woman experiences it differently and there's no right or wrong way to handle it. Listen to your body and do what feels best for you - whether that means reaching for a ginger ale or taking a nap.
So there you have it folks, our ultimate guide to morning sickness! We hope we've answered all of your burning questions about this common phenomenon. If nothing else, just remember: You're growing a tiny human inside you - cut yourself some slack!
Fun fact: The term "morning sickness" originated in 1850s England when doctors believed that the condition was caused by mothers smelling their breakfasts cooking. Oh how times have changed…