The Problem: Morning Sickness
The
Facts:
Morning
sickness can begin as early as the first days of pregnancy, but generally
disappears by the time a woman's pregnancy starts to "show," around the
12th or 16th week of the pregnancy. The most important thing to realize
about this "morning" condition is that it isn't limited to morning.
Some women completely escape morning sickness; others experience a weakened version; and some women continue to be plagued by the symptoms of morning sickness straight through their pregnancies.
? How can you tell if your partner is experiencing morning sickness? The first signs are often a complete lack of appetite or loss of appetite after a few bites. But be prepared: These harmless symptoms progress to an uncontrollable need to spit and vomit within minutes.
It is also important to realize that, despite the fact that she may be vomiting, food is the thing that will help her control her illness, and lack of food will make her feel more sick. The key lies in determining what foods agree with her pregnant body and how frequently her pregnant body prefers to consume these foods.
What
You Can Do:
Listen to her instincts regarding what "sounds" good. Your partner's body
will tell her what is right for her and for the baby.
Encourage her to eat small amounts of food more frequently. Rather than planning three large meals and a few snacks, suggest that she eat small, balanced meals every two hours.
Encourage her to eat slowly and see how she feels as she consumes her food, even if she feels very hungry when she begins her meal.
Suggest that she consume all serving sizes slowly. For example, if she wants an apple, cut it into 10 or 15 smaller pieces and ask her to space out her bites.
In some cases, women require food more frequently than every two hours. Encourage your partner to listen to her instincts. If she discovers that sipping on a protein smoothie or a mug of soup every 5 to 10 minutes keeps her nausea at bay, then do it.
Remember her new favorite pregnancy foods and keep them around.
Gingerroot is known for naturally alleviating nausea. For this reason it is commonly used by sailors. Get her some raw ginger from the market or under-the-tongue (sublingual) drops of ginger extract from your local health food store. Encourage her to carry the ginger drops in her purse.
Acupressure seasickness bracelets can be helpful if worn all day.
Vitamins B5 and B6, 50 milligrams, three times daily, can also be helpful for warding off morning sickness. Peach tea and two homeopathic remedies called Ipecac 30X, 10 to 15 drops as directed, and Nux Vomica 6X, 10 to 15 drops as directed, can also be helpful.
Encourage your partner to stay hydrated, even if it means spoon-feeding her water. To cut down on the nausea, add honey or sea salt to her water.
Small ice cubes are another great way to encourage her to stay hydrated.
Above all, be supportive and don't take offense if it's your cooking that she is vomiting.
When
to Get More Help:
If
she does not respond to the remedies described above; if her eyes, skin
and lips appear dry; if she develops a fever, experiences dizziness and
doesn't urinate frequently or has a dark, concentrated urine, contact
her physician.
Her physician will likely check her electrolytes, acid-base balance and other levels to determine what nutrients she requires.
In severe cases, her physician may opt for solid food replacement to address the fact that she cannot keep food and water down. Many times it is wise to skip the common first treatment of intravenous hydration, because, chances are, your partner's deficiency is not limited to water, sugar and minerals—she may also require protein and fats.
! For this, her doctor will prescribe nutrition in liquid form, delivered through an intravenous line or an NG tube inserted into her nose and down to her stomach. Your physician will determine the duration and whether this will be done in the hospital or at home.