Morning Sickness

The contents of this video are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before seeking any new treatment. Dr. Saul Weinreb: Welcome to The First Nine. This is Dr. Saul Weinreb with Babyssentials.com. Today, we’re going to talk about morning sickness. What is morning sickness? Morning sickness is first of the feelings of nausea and many women experience during their early stages of pregnancy. It is often called morning sickness because of what is really a myth and that is, is that women seem to feel sicker in the morning but get better during the day. In fact, studies have shown that the patterns of nausea and vomiting are not related to the time of day and women can feel nauseas throughout the day, not just in the morning. However, it still keeps that name morning sickness, so we can still use that so that you know what we’re talking about. How common is nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. Well, at least 75% of women will report feeling nauseas during the early stages of pregnancy. So, that means the vast majority of women will have it. However, how bad it is really depend. Some women, it’s just a minor case of nausea and for some women, it can be very severe and debilitating. When it gets very, very severe, it gets the medical name of hyperemesis of pregnancy. So, what can you do about it? What happens if you’re in nausea? Well first of all, it’s important to remember that the most important thing is to stay well hydrated and to keep down fluids. Of course, food is important but fluid is even more important during the early stages and even throughout the entire pregnancy. Many women find that keeping small amounts of blend foods that they can tolerate in their stomach at all times is helpful. Sometimes anti-acids like Tums or Rolaids can be helpful. Most women will find though that the nausea persists despite these measures and there are many remedies out there. People recommend taking ginger or drinking ginger ale but the bottom line is, is that you need to see what works for yourself. You will know what foods trigger the nausea and what foods you can tolerate. You will know what fluid make you feel worse and what fluids make you feel better. There will be no rhyme or reason to why this food and drink over that food and drink makes you feel better or worse but just follow your own body’s cues. Another question many women ask “If I have this severe nausea, if I have this severe vomiting, is it dangerous? Does it mean there’s something wrong?” And the answer is, if 75% of women that are pregnant feel it, obviously, it’s not dangerous to your pregnancy. However, if you get to a point where you absolutely can’t tolerate any food or fluid and a day goes by and you haven’t get anything down, you definitely need to call your physician. Being that dehydrated and going that long without food can be very, very dangerous and you definitely need to call your doctor. It’s important to remember that every case is different and you need to speak with your doctor about your particular situation. Please remember that this video can not and will not replace a visit or a discussion with your healthcare provider. This has been Dr. Saul Weinreb for Babyssentials.com. Have a great day. By watching the following video, one consents that he or she has read, agrees with and consents to this disclaimer. The viewer also understands they can rewind/pause the video to read all of this disclaimer so they can understand it completely. If one does not agree to this disclaimer, please end this video immediately. The contents of the Babyssentials.com video such as text, videos, graphics, images, information and other material contained on the Babyssentials.com video (“Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or a second opinion. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before seeking any new treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Babyssentials.com Site! If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. Babyssentials.com does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions or other information that may be mentioned on the Site. Reliance on any information provided by Babyssentials, Babyssential employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of Babyssentials or other visitors to the Site is solely at your own risk.