Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Understanding Morning Sickness: Causes and Symptoms

admin Jul 13, 2024

Introduction

Ah! One of the first signs of pregnancy is generally morning sickness—mild Nausea as well as vomiting.

Morning sickness typically commences during the first month of pregnancy and continues until the 14th-16th week. However, few women can experience Nausea and vomiting throughout their entire pregnancy. The description "morning sickness" is a misnomer as Nausea can happen at any time of day or night.

But why exactly have we come to refer these tummy-turning manifestations morning sickness?

It turns out that while pregnancy-linked Nausea and vomiting can happen at any time interval of day, the symptoms often flare just after waking up.

As many as seven in ten pregnancies are impacted by Nausea and vomiting. In few women – thought to be between one and three in 100 pregnancies – it can be serious, even fatal for the foetus as well as the mother and requiring replacement of intravenous fluid to prevent dangerous levels of dehydration. So-called hyperemesis gravidarum is the most predominant cause of admission to the hospital of women in the first three months of pregnancy.

In this blog let us delve into the symptoms and causes of morning sickness:

Symptoms of Morning Sickness

Signs and symptoms of morning sickness comprise an upset stomach (Nausea), loss of appetite, and vomiting. Heartburn or reflux can be caused by hormonal alterations and the growing baby pressing against your stomach. Few women describe morning sickness as feeling like:

Seasickness or motion sickness.
Something is stuck in their throat.
Hunger pangs.

What are the Causes Of Morning Sickness?

The definitive cause of morning sickness is still mysterious! Let's shed light on a few of the predominant causes of morning sickness:

Travelling by air

For few pregnant females, flight turbulence as well as the motion during take-off and landing can induce Nausea and vomiting. The first as well as last trimesters are the highest-risk periods during pregnancy. Certain airlines won't let pregnant females fly past 36 weeks, but majority don't have restrictions during the first few months of pregnancy.

But what about a train journey? While traveling by train doesn't itself cause morning sickness, the smells, and food can make it worse.

Food

Did you know? Research depicts that Nausea as well as sickness during pregnancy are the body's way of safeguarding mother and baby against poisons as well as stomach bugs in food.

The study depicts a link between Nausea and diet, suggesting that the old idea regarding sickness due to the mother's uncertainty towards her baby is false.

Food items that may upset your stomach or worsen your morning sickness

fatty or fried foods
thick, creamy gravies or soups
sweet foods such as chocolate, decadent desserts, cakes and pastries
nuts and dry chips
strong smelling vegetables
coffee, tea, cocoa, cola drinks
spicy foods
wholemeal and high-fibre bread.

Hormonal Culprit and Twin/Triplet Condition

Nobody knows the exact reason why pregnant women have morning sickness. The most common cause is increased natural hormones, especially human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG. Females who are having twins or multiples have much elevated levels of hCG than women who carry one baby, and they are more prone to Nausea and vomiting. Elevated oestrogen levels during pregnancy may also play a role.

As per the American Academy of Family Physicians, morning sickness results from a sudden spike in levels of hormones released during pregnancy. Nausea may persist until the body adjusts to these new levels. Among females who experience morning sickness, manifestations peak precisely when development of organ is most susceptible to disruption of chemicals between the first month and the 16th week of pregnancy. Morning sickness may indicate that the placenta is developing well since hCG comes from a healthy placenta that usually grows.

Recently, certain evidence from biochemical and genetic studies has depicted that it might relate to the synthesis by the placenta of the hormone GDF15, which acts on the brain of mouth to cause her to feel nauseous and vomit.

The researchers depicted that the degree of nausea and vomiting that a female experience in pregnancy is directly related to both the quantity of GDF15 made by the foetal portion of the placenta and sent into her blood and how sensitive she is to this hormone's nauseating effect.

Morning Sickness may be Worsened by:

Stress and anxiety.
Being overtired.
Eating or smelling certain foods.
Motion sickness.
Heat or warm weather.

Healthcare providers believe morning sickness is a mix of physical and chemical changes. It may also be caused by low blood sugar, fluctuations in blood pressure, alterations in metabolism, and other factors.

In a nutshell, despite its discomfort, morning sickness is a predominant and generally temporary part of pregnancy. Understanding its symptoms and potential causes can help females manage and lessen discomfort more effectively. While there is no single definitive cause, the interplay of hormonal fluctuations, sensitivity to food items and smells, and environmental factors contribute to its onset and severity.