Morning sickness is a common symptom experienced by many pregnant women, typically occurring in the first trimester. Despite its name, morning sickness can happen at any time of the day or night. About 80% of pregnant women experience nausea or morning sickness. The exact cause of morning sickness is unknown, but it may be caused by hormone changes or lower blood sugar during early pregnancy. Some common signs and symptoms of morning sickness include:
-
Nausea: This is the most common symptom of morning sickness, ranging from mild to severe. You may feel queasy, uneasy, or like youre going to vomit.
-
Vomiting: Some women may experience vomiting in addition to nausea, although not all women with morning sickness vomit.
-
Loss of appetite: Many women with morning sickness experience a decreased appetite and may struggle to eat enough to meet their nutritional needs.
-
Sensitivity to smells: Pregnant women with morning sickness may be more sensitive to certain smells, which can trigger nausea.
-
Fatigue: Feeling tired or run down is a common symptom of morning sickness, which can be worsened by difficulty eating and keeping food down.
-
Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or dizzy is another possible symptom of morning sickness, partly due to dehydration or low blood sugar levels.
-
Hyperemesis gravidarum: Some women may experience a more intense, longer-lasting form of morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum. It has the same symptoms as morning sickness, only more severe, and may require medical treatment.
Its important to know that morning sickness does not hurt the baby in any way unless you lose weight, such as with severe vomiting. Mild weight loss during the first trimester is not uncommon when women have moderate symptoms, and is not harmful to the baby. If you have any concerns about your morning sickness, its best to contact your healthcare provider.