When I was a kid--- I think I was obsessed with birth even back then, I always perked up and listened and digested everything that was talked about around me concerning pregnancy and birth. I was interested in how, where and why and was fascinated by peoples attitudes about birth. Then again I am Mormon so pregnancy and birth was always around.
--- back to my story though. When I was a kid I heard my Mom talking to someone, about a guy, who made the comment that, "morning sickness is all in a woman's head."
You can imagine the buzz that created.
You can imagine the outrage.
Even back then I knew that couldn't possibly be true.
Between the ages of 7 and 8 years old I watched from a distance my own mothers pregnancy with my little brother. She spit into a cup for months for crying out loud to keep from being sick.
That was supposedly all in her head?
Of course years and years later I had my first bout of "morning sickness," more like all-day-sickness, and even if I had the tiniest doubt (maybe it is all in your head?) my first time dry heaving led me to believe this man to be full of crap.
So, let's get it straight: morning sickness is caused by elevated estrogen and HCG levels and low blood sugar. It is more likely to occur when the stomach is empty, like in the morning after you have been fasting all night, thus it is called morning sickness.
I will say that there are psychological factors that can add to the nausea, such as: odors, stress emotional upsets. However are these things causing more nausea or are they causing you to loose your appetite, so you don't eat, which in turn causes even lower blood sugar levels and more nausea? The actual number of women who suffer from morning sickness is unknown but thought to be between 50-80% of pregnant women at any given time. Most women will notice relief around 12 to 13 weeks into the pregnancy. Some will feel better before that and some after. Unfortunately, a handful of women will not find relief until after they have their baby.
Most books, websites, midwives, and doctors suggest a high protein snack before bed (it takes longer to digest) and crackers before you even get out of bed as well as some if you get up in the night to go to the bathroom. The idea is to never let your stomach acid be alone.
If you are following Brewer's diet and eating the proper amount of protein you should already be all set. Brewer also suggests eating a high protein snack every hour if the nausea gets too bad (this is also his suggestion for swelling).
Other options:
*Smaller more frequent meals throughout the day
*A B-6 vitamin of 50 mg at bedtime and then again midday
*Ginger or raspberry leaf tea
*Ginger capsules
*Alfalfa tablets - also help with heartburn
*Avoid stinking up the house- open windows and turn on exhaust to get odors from cooking out of the house.
*Keep cool.
*Go with your cravings. Usually that is your body telling you what you need and what will help you feel better.
*anti nausea wrist bands (I use these.... I don't know if they really work. I suppose they take the edge off but they aren't magical)
*If your prenatal vitamin makes you feel sick, make sure you are eating with it. Also try taking just before bed.
*Take a nap- it is harder to feel nauseated while asleep.
If vomiting persists and mother and baby are not getting enough water and minerals, dehydration could be a problem. You should speak to your doctor/midwife/care provider immediately.
Information was taken from Heart and hands by Elizabeth Davis and
Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin
What is TMI? Go Here.
Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin
What is TMI? Go Here.
