Morning Sickness – Nausea & Vomiting – What To Know And Remedies That Work

A successful implantation marks the beginning of a new adventure in a woman. It is one of the most surreal experiences to ever go through, however, it isn’t always sunshine and rainbows – at least not for a lot of expecting mothers. One of the most common and exhausting symptoms of pregnancy starting early on is morning sickness – nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. This in itself, from mild to severe and depending on how long it lasts can make pregnancy a challenge.

Is Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy Normal?

Morning sickness is also known as Nausea or vomiting of pregnancy (NVP), pregnancy sickness, or Emesis gravidarum (Hyperemesis gravidarum in severe cases). Despite being called ‘morning sickness’, it can occur at any time of the day and night

80% of pregnant females experience morning sickness (most especially in the first trimester). It is known to be one of the first signs of pregnancy and it’s completely normal although it can affect the quality of your day moving forward until it subsides.

Studies reveal that nausea might be a good sign during pregnancy, yet an unpleasant experience. It has no health risk for the baby and can be a sign of a healthy pregnancy. A good number of expecting moms however do not experience morning sickness throughout their pregnancies.

When does morning sickness start and how long can it last?

Morning Sickness can start as early as 6 weeks and usually subsides or completely goes away at the end of the first trimester. It can also last the entire duration of the pregnancy up until birth. It is however uncommon to have morning sickness after 14 weeks if it did not occur in the weeks prior to that.

What causes morning sickness?

The exact causes of this condition are still not known but it is likely as a result of hormonal changes experienced when a woman gets pregnant. Certain factors increase the chances of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy which include;

Sensitivity to smells or tastes – Smell and taste sensitivity increases during pregnancy and is particularly higher during the first trimester. Yet, varies among pregnant women.
The mother is expecting more than one baby – Women carrying multiple babies have an elevated level of pregnancy hormone, hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin), hence may feel more nauseated and vomit a lot more than women carrying one child.
Nausea or vomiting experience from migraines or motion sickness – Pregnant women are prone to motion sickness, hence increases chances of nausea and vomiting likewise migraines. Certain nerve pathways (vagus and glossopharyngeal) and brain pathways can excite an area in the brainstem that activates the vomiting center. In a clearer view, the brain and gut can communicate with each other, hence stimulating nausea and vomiting when certain foods are eaten or a strong odor or aroma is perceived.
The mother experienced morning sickness in a previous pregnancy.
Personal or family history of vomiting during pregnancy.

Other factors include pregnant women suffering from ulcers, appendicitis, and gallstones.

Complications of (severe) vomiting during pregnancy

This is called Hyperemesis gravidarum. It is generally worse than morning sickness and the cause is still unknown. Expecting mothers who suspect they may be suffering from Hyperemesis gravidarum should contact their doctors immediately. It can be relieved with a change in diet, getting more rest, and in more severe cases, being admitted to get proper care, replenish lost fluids intravenously to regain strength and nutrients from the constant vomiting. Signs of Hyperemesis gravidarum can include;

Dizziness or lightheadedness.
prolonged vomiting
Passing a small amount of urine due to dehydration.
Liver damage and poor growth in developing child.
Inability to keep food down.

Remedies for morning sickness

Taking prenatal vitamins – The use of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) improves pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting as suggested by studies. It is advised to ask for your doctor’s recommendation if your prenatal vitamin is still making you sick.
Use of anti-nausea and anti-vomiting medications – Anti-nausea medications are effective the sooner they are begun. The most common drugs include; Xonvea, Antihistamines, and Prochlorperazine.
Avoiding certain foods – High intake of fats and spicy foods increases the risk of NVP. Pregnant women are advised to indulge in foods such as rice, potato chips, carbonated drinks without sweetener, peppermint tea, yoghurt, chilled fruits, applesauce, lemon, broths, soda crackers, ginger etc.
Avoiding certain smells – Smell-induced nausea is as a result of perceived intensity as the smell sensitivity levels increases. Use of unscented toiletries, cleaning products, body soaps, creams, shampoos etc. are recommended. Also, avoid foods that can trigger nausea such as foods high in fats, smoked foods, and very hot foods (it produces smells unlike cold foods). Avoid dirty environments, be neat and let in some fresh air.
Intravenous fluids are also administered for hydration.
Acupuncture and acupressure – the stimulation of the acupoints, that is, the P6 point located above the wrist have been used to treat nausea for many years.
Saltines and toast: Dry crackers and toasted bread can help with nausea and vomiting.

What can you take that is safe to quickly relieve morning sickness?

Our tried and trusted recommendation is Tummydrops.

Tummydrops is a trusted brand that has been used and recommended by thousands of expecting mothers. Tummydrops products help to improve digestion health and tummy upsets through the use of plant extracts. Tummydrops is designed by a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist, Dr. Dustin James MD and it has been in existence for over 10 years now.

Why we recommend Tummy Drops

All products are chemical-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, Kosher, USDA organic, taste great, act fast, non-sedating, and highly recommended by health care professionals. These products help pregnant women who experience nausea or digestion problems. The organic products (ginger and peppermint) ease nausea and help digestion. Products are available in different flavors to soothe tastes and preferences.

Some of our favorites are:

Sweet blackberry/Yumberry/Pineapple ginger drops

There are 18 candy drops in each container. It is made with organic sugar, organic rice syrup, natural flavor, and organic ginger/yumberry/pineapple extract to ease your nausea. It is nut free and vegan.

Natural ginger Tummydrops

This product is made with blend of ginger to provide solution for stomach upset or nausea. Each bag contains 33 wrapped candy drops and they are made from plant extracts. Ingredients: Organic sugar, organic infantsafe brown rice syrup, organic ginger extract, natural strawberry flavor.

Sweet blackberry ginger Tummydrops

Each bag contains 33 wrapped candy drops. Ingredients – Organic sugar, organic infantsafe brown rice syrup, organic ginger extract, natural blackberry flavor.

Natural peppermint Tummydrops

This is filled with a blend of peppermint. Each bag contains 33 drops. Ingredients: Organic sugar, organic infantsafe brown rice syrup, organic peppermint oil extract, natural vegan creamy flavor.

See All Tummydrops

Remember to contact your doctor if you are having severe vomiting. This is particularly important to your health and that of your baby. Try to note if your nausea and vomiting is triggered by anything in particular and make a conscious effort to avoid them.