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Morning Sickness

Morning sickness refers to nausea and vomiting experienced during pregnancy, most commonly in the first trimester but can occur anytime throughout the day. Historically, it was often considered a positive sign of pregnancy progressing well due to its association with high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced by the developing placenta and peaks around weeks 8-12. Despite the name, symptoms are not limited to mornings; they stem from complex hormonal shifts that vary individually but commonly involve increases in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and others such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone, contributing to heightened sensitivity.

Symptoms

Nausea: Often severe during pregnancy, triggered by elevated hormones including estrogen (which surges early on) and progesterone. This can be exacerbated by low blood sugar or fatigue.
Vomiting: A direct manifestation of nausea that frequently occurs in the first trimester; it is thought to involve mechanisms like increased hCG levels, which may signal embryo protection from potentially harmful substances. Similar hormonal shifts occur during female puberty (thelarche), where breast development involves rising estrogen and progesterone levels (../puberty/key_physical_changes_in_female_puberty/theleche.md), though without the same physiological purpose.
Loss of appetite: Reduces nutrient intake during pregnancy, potentially leading to deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals like iron or folate, impacting both mother and fetus development.
Sensitivity to smells: Can cause aversion to certain odors, disrupting daily routines including eating habits, work environments (e.g., avoiding cooking fumes), and social interactions. This symptom is often linked to hormonal changes that affect olfactory processing.

Morning sickness can significantly impact a pregnant woman's nutrition by causing decreased food consumption or absorption issues from vomiting. For instance, persistent nausea may lead to inadequate intake of calories, proteins, vitamins, and minerals crucial for fetal growth; severe cases might result in dehydration if fluids are avoided due to sensitivity.

Management

Eating small, frequent meals: This approach helps alleviate nausea symptoms by maintaining steady blood sugar levels.
Avoiding strong odours: Reducing exposure to irritants like cooking smells or perfumes can minimize vomiting episodes.
Staying hydrated: Consuming ample water and electrolytes prevents dehydration; consider alternatives like broth when feeling unwell.

For severe morning sickness, alternative or complementary methods might include vitamin B6 supplements combined with antihistamines under medical guidance. Another option is ginger (in supplement form), which has been shown to reduce nausea in some studies and may be used alongside other strategies. These management techniques could also apply during the hormonal fluctuations of menarche, when managing dietary intake becomes relevant (../puberty/physiological_changes_in_female_puberty/menarche.md).

Morning Sickness

Symptoms

Management

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