Ah, morning sickness – or as I like to call it, anytime sickness.
When I was pregnant with my two boys, morning sickness never made it and instead, I welcomed night sickness for both the pregnancies that would stop right before sunrise.
On some days, it would make a cameo during the evening, too. But funnily enough, never in the actual morning!
My personal experience lasted through the entire first trimester and decided to linger well into the second.
This experience that was unlike what most mummies would tell me is a vivid reminder that morning sickness has a mind of its own, with every mummy-to-be experiencing it uniquely.
Whether it’s day, night, or all hours in between, there’s no one-size-fits-all rule!
To help us unravel the mystery of this uninvited guest, we sat down with Pharmacist Nazatul Amira Hamzah, who will be giving us the lowdown on everything expecting mummies need to know about this ‘nauseating’ journey.
With over a decade of experience in pharmacy and healthcare, Nazatul shared insights, tips, and a good dose of reassurance for mummies navigating the ups and (literal) downs of pregnancy.
What Exactly Is Morning Sickness?
Morning sickness is as unpredictable as a toddler – catching you off-guard just as you think you’re getting into the swing of motherhood.
Sometimes described as the unwelcome guest of the first trimester, it’s marked by nausea and, sometimes, quite a bit of vomiting.
But here’s the thing – it’s not just about mornings.
For many mummies, the discomfort doesn’t clock out after sunrise and can linger into the afternoon or evening.
If you’re one of the 70–80% of pregnant women dealing with this, don’t worry, you’re in good company.
While not exactly enjoyable, morning sickness is often a reassuring sign of a healthy pregnancy as your body adjusts to surging hormones like HCG and oestrogen.
For most, this phase is temporary and manageable, even if it means dodging certain scents or foods that suddenly seem unabearable.
However, there’s a small percentage of around 3% of expecting mummies who experience hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form that requires medical attention.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is on the extreme end where mummies would experience extreme symptoms such as excessive weight loss, constipation, dehydration and inability to consume forms of liquid being one of it.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your current pregnancy, seek help from your doctors that will guide you on your next steps.
Always remember that every pregnancy journey is unique, and there’s no need to brave it alone (no matter how independent you are!).
Why Does Morning Sickness Happen?
The main culprits behind morning sickness are the skyrocketing levels of hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, and HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
These hormonal shifts are vital for supporting your growing baby, but they can also wreak havoc on your tummy.
And it’s not just hormones!
Nazatul explains that strong smells such as perfume, coffee, or smoke can also trigger nausea.
Feeling tired, stressed, or travelling frequently can often make it worse.
And for mummies expecting twins or more, the extra hormonal activity often means an extra dose of queasiness.
When Does It Start, and How Long Will It Last?
Most mummies start noticing morning sickness around week six of pregnancy.
For many, it peaks during weeks nine to twelve before gradually easing off in the second trimester.
But as we now know: pregnancy doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all timeline (cue midnight vomits).
Some women sail through the second trimester still battling nausea, while a rare few might experience it right up until delivery.
The good news?
If you’re past the first trimester, there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
For most mummies, the feeling eventually subsides, leaving them free to enjoy the remainder of your pregnancy.
Is It Really Morning Sickness, or Something Else?
Morning sickness has a pretty distinct vibe: nausea and occasional vomiting, often tied to specific triggers like food or smells.
But if you notice additional symptoms such as sharp abdominal pain, fever, diarrhoea, or dizziness it’s best to consult your doctor.
Severe weight loss, dehydration, or blood in your vomit are also red flags.
Pregnancy is no time to second guess your health.
So, when in doubt, call your doctor and head on over for a check up!
Can Morning Sickness Affect Your Baby?
Here’s a reassuring fact: for most mummies, morning sickness is more of an inconvenience than a cause for concern.
It doesn’t harm your baby and might even be a sign that your pregnancy hormones are doing exactly what they should.
However, if you’re dealing with hyperemesis gravidarum or facing similar symptoms, it’s important to seek medical help.
Prolonged vomiting can lead to dehydration and malnutrition, which could impact both you and your baby if left untreated.
Managing Morning Sickness: Expert’s Tips
Now for the big question – how do you cope?
According to Nazatul, managing morning sickness is all about finding what works for you.
Rest is your best friend, so don’t hesitate to put your feet up whenever you can.
Eating small, frequent meals is another lifesaver.
Bland, high-carb foods like bread, crackers, and rice are your go-to options.
And yes, ginger is your secret weapon.
Think ginger tea, ginger ale, or even ginger biscuits that can help settle your stomach.
If the nausea is relentless, make a visit to your doctor which may suggest a new treatment.
So, mummies, remember that morning sickness is usually a phase.
While it is undeniably a tough phase, its temporary.
Remind yourself that its your body hard at work during this pregnancy journey.
Take it a day at a time – you’ve got this, mummies!
Source: Nazatul Amira Hamzah, Pharmacist at Primabumi Sdn Bhd
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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