Morning sickness is the commonest and the most dreaded pregnancy symptom. According to a report published in British Medical Journal in 2004, "Nausea and vomiting are the commonest symptoms experienced in the first trimester of pregnancy." Well, the good news is that not all women experience nausea during pregnancy with the same severity. Some may feel sick in the morning or start their day by puking, while some feel nausea, the whole day.

Why Does This Happen?

Don't go by the name "morning sickness." It can happen any time of the day. Although hormonal changes are blamed for this condition, medical experts have yet to find the exact cause of this nasty symptom. It has been found that the level of pregnancy hormone named human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen rise during the initial three months. They decrease at the same time when nausea starts to fade.

Is There A Need To Call A Doctor?

You need not call your doctor for mild morning sickness. It's a temporary phase that will pass away with the first trimester.

You need medical intervention if.

*You vomit excessively and lose much fluids as well as important minerals and nutrients

*You are dehydrated after vomiting

*You are suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, which is disturbance in fluid and electrolyte due to vomiting. In this case, you need to be hospitalized.

*you notice weight loss

*you vomit several times during a day and for several days

*your vomit is brownish in color or accompanied with blood

*your urine seems concentrated and dark in color

How To Handle Morning Sickness Effectively?

Here are certain tips to tackle nausea during pregnancy:

*Eat a cracker before you retire to bed.

*Keep some snack at your bedside. In case you wake up at night, you can munch on them; *his keeps nausea at bay.

*Don't jump out of bed in the morning. Take your time to get up after you wake up.

*Munch a dry cracker or something similar the first thing in the morning.

*Eat several small meals throughout the day. Don't keep your stomach completely empty.

*Avoid spicy and fatty foods.

*Drink lots of liquids. (Plain water is the best)

*Cut your caffeine intake.

*Make crackers, dry toast and other such stuff, your handy snacks.

*Eat protein-rich snacks.

*Ginger tea helps. Drink it everyday.

*If you find your nose getting sensitive to smells, stop sniffing at foods! Jokes apart; avoid steaming foods, as they spread aroma. Try cold foods instead.

*Don't hit the bed as soon as you finish your meal.

*A cat nap during the day is good for you.

*Breathe fresh air, take a walk down the road; it will lighten up your mood.

*Indulge in light exercise. (Always consult your doctor before starting any exercise.)

*Smile a lot!

Morning sickness is not an ogre. It's just your body trying to adjust to change.