Morning sickness

Morning sickness is a symptom of pregnancy that involves nausea or vomiting. Despite the name, morning sickness can occur at any time during the day or night. It is most common during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Causes

The exact cause of morning sickness is unknown. However, it is believed to be caused by a rapid rise in the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced by the placenta. Other hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones may also contribute to morning sickness.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of morning sickness are feelings of nausea, followed by vomiting. The severity of these symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Some women may experience nausea without vomiting. Other symptoms may include a heightened sense of smell and a dislike of certain foods.

Treatment

Treatment for morning sickness depends on the severity of the symptoms. Mild cases may be managed with lifestyle changes such as eating smaller, more frequent meals, and avoiding foods and smells that trigger nausea. More severe cases may require medication. Medications used to treat morning sickness include antihistamines, anticholinergics, and vitamin B6.

Prognosis

Morning sickness typically begins around the 6th week of pregnancy and subsides by the 14th week. However, some women may experience morning sickness throughout their entire pregnancy. Morning sickness does not typically pose a risk to the baby. However, severe cases can lead to weight loss and dehydration, which may require hospitalization.

See also

• Hyperemesis gravidarum
• Pregnancy
• Nausea

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