Morning Sickness at Night

Tap to Read ➤ Parul Solanki

Even if we wish morning sickness would affect us during pregnancy only in the mornings, that is not the case. Although it is dubbed as 'morning sickness', the nausea, vomiting, and related symptoms during pregnancy can hit you in the nights or at any other time of the day.

Morning sickness, or the feelings of nausea and vomiting, is a pregnancy symptom that affects many women in the sixth week (1 st trimester) of their pregnancy. While most cases of morning sickness are mild and may induce vomiting, the more severe cases of pregnancy sickness can cause dehydration, weight loss, alkalosis, and hypokalemia.

Women usually complain of the feelings of nausea and vomiting in the mornings, which seems to ease off over the course of the day. However, morning sickness which occurs throughout the day is also quite common.

Actually, the term "morning sickness" itself is a misnomer, and is actually used to refer to feelings of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. This can happen at any time of the day.

So the symptoms of nausea may affect you in the morning or you may be plagued by them at nighttime, when your stomach is empty or when you are fatigued. Nighttime sickness is quite distressing, as it can keep you awake the entire night.

Causes

Rise in Estrogen Levels

In early pregnancy, the rise in the estrogen hormones are thought to trigger off the vomiting and nausea during pregnancy. This is also said to induce an enhanced sense of smell that triggers off the gag reflex in response to the smell of certain foods.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

It has not been confirmed but a rise in the hCG hormonal levels have been known to coincide with morning sickness. Also, women who have multiples (twins, triplets, etc,) are known to have higher levels of hCG, which in turn leads to a higher rate of nausea and vomiting.

Gastrointestinal Tract Sensitivity

The early pregnancy changes can trouble the gastrointestinal tracts, especially when consuming rich, spicy food. In addition to this, women who are afflicted with the stomach bacterium, Helicobacter pylori can suffer from longer lasting nausea and vomiting.

Other Causes

The causes of morning sickness at night can also be attributed to having twins and multiples, previous history of morning sickness throughout the day in earlier pregnancies, a genetic predisposition, and migraine headaches.

Home Remedies

To combat the nighttime signs of morning sickness, you can try these simple home remedies that can make you feel better.

• Eat a small snack consisting of cereals, milk, or a sandwich before going to bed.

• Keep your windows open to let the fresh air in while you sleep.

• Eat small meals every two to three hours. Rather than stuffing yourself, eat little and often, even when not hungry.

• Regular and frequent intake of water, fresh fruit juices, and herbal tea can help keep the nausea in control.

• Try to avoid spicy or junk food which might irritate your stomach. • Ginger tablets and tea are known to reduce nausea. • Rest several times during the day, keeping a pillow under your head and your legs. Adequate sleep is a great way of warding of the nausea and vomiting.

• Avoid jerky and sudden movements. • Fresh air and exercise, like a little walking, can help you ease off the nauseating feelings.

In addition to this, avoid smoking and drinking. If you feel persistent morning sickness at night, and are feeling dehydrated because of it, then consult your doctor immediately. Hyperemesis gravidarum can also be the cause of extreme nausea and vomiting.

This may lead to weight loss and dehydration. This might not just hurt you, but can also cause problems for your unborn baby. Hence, consult your gynecologist in case of severe symptoms.

Disclaimer : This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.