Morning Sickness. Not just in the Morning!
Though it is most commonly referred to as morning sickness, nausea and vomiting can happen anytime throughout the day.
What causes nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is still unknown. One thought however, is the increase in hormone levels. This increase can heighten your sense of smell, making your body sensitive to various smells and foods, potentially causing nausea and vomiting.
Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy typically begins at nine weeks of pregnancy and typically subsides by the 14 week mark. However, some women may continue to experience nausea and vomiting for several weeks or even months. For a few women the feeling of “morning sickness” can last throughout the pregnancy.
Vitamin B6 Deficiency
Vitamin B6 deficiency can occur for various reasons, most commonly due to a lack of intake, however other reasons include excessive alcohol consumption, or a diet high in sugary foods and processed foods. Different illnesses can also contribute to vitamin B6 deficiency. It is common however, for even a healthy person to experience vitamin B6 deficiency with the increased need during pregnancy, Severe deficiency is still uncommon.
Women are often recommended B6 in early pregnancy when nausea and vomiting can be at its worst. A health report done by the University of Michigan found that if women took 10-25 mg of B6 vitamins three times a day they may experience some relief of their nausea and vomiting. Although vitamin B6 can offer moms some relief, it should be noted that an excessive B6 vitamin intake (more than 100mg) can lead to nerve damage, numbness, and other conditions. However, there is no evidence that suggests excessive vitamin B6 intake leads to birth defects or malformations. If B6 alone doesn’t help you can talk with your provider to see if the use of Unisom in combination with B6 could be an option to you. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has recommended this combination to women who have tried vitamin B6, but haven’t experienced much relief.
Hospitalization
Though it is uncommon, some women may be hospitalized when their nausea and vomiting becomes too severe, this is called hyperemesis gravidarum. When in the hospital, doctors can monitor your liver function, evaluate extreme weight loss and nutritional deficiencies, give IV medications and treat electrolyte imbalances.
Treatments and Coping
At home treatments and remedies…
Choose foods carefully (high in protein/non-greasy foods)
Snack often (crackers or toast can be good snack options for throughout the day)
Drink plenty of fluids (water or ginger ale 6-8 cups of non-caffeinated beverages daily)
Pay attention to nausea triggers (avoid foods or smells that trigger nausea)
Get plenty of fresh air (try and get outside daily)
Take prenatal vitamins
Coconut water/ electrolyte powders (to ensure electrolytes stay in balance)
Some questions to ask your provider…
Is pregnancy causing my symptoms or could it be something else?
Do I need any tests?
Will I have nausea and vomiting throughout my entire pregnancy?
Are there any medications I can take to help with my symptoms?
Does morning sickness pose any risk to my baby?
What can I eat or drink to help my queasiness?
Remember
Regardless of how small it may seem it is always better to discuss concerns with your doctor to see if any treatment or monitoring is needed to ensure you and baby are healthy.
Sources
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/ask-acog/what-causes-morning-sickness
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/~/link.aspx?_id=17A60E1B94DE4BE7B882CA916A6243BB&_z=z
https://womanshospital.com/articles/should-you-worry-about-morning-sickness-one-obgyn-weighs-in.dot
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/morning-sickness/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375260
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/unisom-and-b6#vitamin-b-6-and-unisom