Morning sickness is quite common among pregnant women especially in the first trimester. At least 9 out of 10 women experiences vomiting and nausea which is caused due to high levels of hormones saturating in the body.

During pregnancy, the body produces the human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) in huge quantities. This hormone ensures that your baby meets the needs from your body in the initial weeks. Soon as the placenta takes over the job of nourishing your baby, there is a drop in HCG and nausea eases gradually.

Estrogen, stress hormones like cortisol can also contribute to nausea and morning sickness during pregnancy. And also, deficiency in certain nutrients, like vitamin B6 is another cause say experts.

Being sick and nauseating is unpleasant, but as long as you are well hydrated and not losing weight, your health and well-being of your baby will not be affected.

All being well, your morning sickness will subside between 14 weeks and 16 weeks. But for some women, it can continue for a little longer period. For few unfortunate women, it lasts throughout pregnancy.

In such cases you may suffer from a serious form of pregnancy sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum(HG) which can leave the pregnant woman severely dehydrated, under-nourished and this requires medical management.

Tips to manage morning sickness

Morning sickness is a natural and normal part of pregnancy, but you may have to manage it efficiently by following these tips.

Relaxation and complementary therapies may assist you to lower your stress levels. Get adequate rest and if needed take time off work.

Keep the meals small but as frequently as you need.

Prefer having dry crackers which are easy on stomach, the first thing in the morning rather than milk.

Go for bland energy-dense foods like rice, porridges, potatoes, soups and pasta.

Take plenty of boiled vegetables and fruits.

Stay away from fried, fatty or highly spiced foods which are the common triggers.

Include good amounts of foods rich in vitamin B6 such as avocado, bananas, whole grain cereals and chicken.

It is very vital to stay well- hydrated- sip iced water, lemon juice or barley water.

Home remedies

Nothing beats morning sickness like a cup of ginger tea. Ginger soothes upset stomach and nausea. To make ginger tea boil about ½ inch ginger in 1 cup of water for 10 – 15 minutes, strain and sip.

Chew on fennel seeds, which are good to soothe the upset stomach.

Treat yourself with frozen fruit bars which help to replace sugar lost through vomiting and also keeps you hydrated.