Many women during their first trimester of pregnancy experience what’s commonly known as ‘morning sickness’. The discomfort of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) can range from mild nausea (with or without vomiting) to severe vomiting which occurs throughout the day.

Although NVP is called morning sickness, you may feel symptoms morning, afternoon or night. The cause of NVP is unknown, but is speculated to be related to increased levels of the hormones hCG and estrogen. Emotional factors and irregular eating habits have also been cited as possible contributors to morning sickness.

You may not be able to get rid of morning sickness altogether but you can minimize its impact through a few, simple self-help measures. The good news is current research shows your body maybe expelling food from your system to protect your baby from potentially harmful pathogens, such as those found in undercooked meat.

Tips to reduce nausea and vomiting during pregnancy:

• Drink plenty of fluids, 6 – 8 glasses of water daily, to maintain hydration.
• Avoid fluids that contain caffeine or carbonation.
• Eat a diet that is high in protein and carbohydrates, in 5 to 6 small meals daily.
• Eat crackers throughout the day to avoid an empty stomach.
• Pay attention to your senses; avoid noxious odours such as tobacco smoke, and tastes that may nauseate you.
• Limit stressful events and get plenty of rest; avoid being in a hurry, especially in the morning.
• Consider acupuncture or acupressure to assist in relieving nausea.
• Take a yoga class to learn breathing techniques for calming your body and your mind.

If you’re throwing up throughout the day this is a serious complication of pregnancy called hyperemesis gravidarum and must be managed under the close observation of your midwife or doctor. Potential risks of this condition include: weight loss, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and starvation.

Adapted from: Engebretson, Joan C. & Littleton, Lynna Y. Maternal, Neonatal, and Women’s Health Nursing. Copyright 2002 by Delmar, Thomson Division Learning Inc. Albany, NY. P.433

Zahra Haji is a prenatal educator and yoga teacher in Toronto specializing in women’s reproductive health and spiritual balance.
To learn more about her prenatal yoga classes in Toronto please visit:
http://yogagoddess.ca/Prenatal-Yoga-Toronto.html

For Yoga Goddess Mom and Baby classes in Toronto take a peak at: http://yogagoddess.ca/Postnatal-Yoga-Toronto-Yoga-Mom-Zen-Baby.htm

Love and delight,
Zahra.