Here at the Memphis Obstetrics & Gynecological Association, we know that pregnancy can be the most exciting time of your life!
Who isn’t thrilled to imagine the new member of their family or to feel them interact with you as they’re getting ready to come into the world?
Of course, we also know that pregnancy can have some pretty serious drawbacks from time to time. Maybe you’re limited in some of the activities you love, or you can’t travel as much as you’d like.
Oh, and the morning sickness. Did we mention the morning sickness?
What is morning sickness, anyway?
While we aren’t exactly sure what causes morning sickness, pregnancy is a pretty wild ride. Despite the name, Morning Sickness can occur at any time of day during your pregnancy. Pregnancy floods your body with all sorts of hormones in varying amounts, which can lead to imbalances. These imbalances, in turn, can lead to morning sickness.
In particular, the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is of particular interest to researchers in the action of morning sickness. Produced by the placenta, your body begins developing and releasing this hormone shortly after the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine wall.
What can I do about it?
First of all, take heart! While every woman is different, in most cases, morning sickness manifests itself more severely during the first three months of pregnancy.
Your symptoms may range from mild nausea and bloating to actual vomiting. Unpleasant as it is, morning sickness is rarely something to be concerned about. However, you should work closely with your doctor during your pregnancy. Be sure to let them know if you have any trouble keeping liquid down, experience a racing heartbeat, have trouble standing up or breathing, or begin to produce less urine of a darker shade than normal.
Now that that’s out of the way, what tips can I incorporate into my routine to manage my symptoms?
Tip #1: Get Some Rest!
It may go without saying, but it’s critical that you take it easy during pregnancy. Rest and relaxation are essential ingredients to a healthy lifestyle, and that goes double when you’re sleeping for two!
Tip #2: Eat Often, Not Too Much.
An empty stomach may exacerbate any morning sickness you find yourself struggling with. We recommend eating five or six small meals throughout the day, rather than three larger ones.
Tip #3 Sniff Something Super!
One thing we know about morning sickness is that it’s often triggered by smelling something unpleasant. Not only that but even though there’s no hard evidence for the claim that your olfactory sensitivity increases during pregnancy, the vast majority of women report just that!
Many women report that keeping a tissue or handkerchief with a few drops of a favorite essential oil can be a soothing tool when they start to feel a bit queasy. But be sure to test it out first, as pregnancy can often turn some of your favorite scents into absolute gag-worthy triggers!
Tip #4 Come By and See Us!
Everyone here at the Memphis Obstetrics and Gynecological Association is dedicated to providing the highest tier of care to all of our patients, and that means you! Your doctor is happy to answer any questions and concerns you may have, and regularly scheduled appointments are a great way to reach out and touch base.
At MOGA, women’s health is our first and only concern. We want you to feel heard, and we want you to have the best pregnancy experience possible. Call us today!
