Morning sickness

• • Feeling of nauseousness and/ or vomiting (Occurs at ALL times of the day)
  • May be caused by an increase in pregnancy hormones (e.g. hCG)
• • Occur in 8/10 pregnancies; Generally disappear by the end of 1st trimester
  • 1-2% develop Hyperemesis gravidarum (Severe nausea & vomiting) --> Weight loss, Dehydration, Electrolyte imbalances, Acidosis)
• • Biology of Morning Sickness:

  • Nature’s way of protecting mother’s and their unborn AGAINST toxins from microorganisms & other teratogenic chemicals

  • Strong association between morning sickness & intake of meat, eggs, milk, alcohol

  • Symptoms peak when embryonic organesis most susceptible to chemical disruption

  • Women who experience morning sickness = Less likely to miscarry
• Management of Nausea & Vomiting

  • Aim: Continue to gain weight

  • Separate liquid & solid food intake

  • Avoid odors & foods that trigger nausea

  • Select foods that are well tolerated

  • X eat healthy food all the time
• Dietary supplement for the treatment

  • Ginger in dose 550-1050 mg a day for 4 days

  • Vitamin B6 supplement in 10-25 mg every 8 hours