Managing Morning Sickness

Body Changes During Pregnancy

• A pregnant woman's body undergoes various physical changes, some obvious, some subtle. These changes are essential for fetal development and labor preparation.
• Changes can affect many systems, including the respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine, urinary, cardiovascular, breasts, abdomen, musculoskeletal, and skin.
• Other changes include aches and pains, morning sickness (nausea or vomiting), constipation, food cravings/aversions, heartburn/indigestion, frequent urination, back pain, tiredness, vaginal thrush, skin changes/itching/possible skin tags, haemorrhoids, leg cramps, restless legs, varicose veins, swelling in ankles/feet/hands, dizziness, fatigue, nasal problems, shortness of breath, larger, more tender breasts.

Early Pregnancy Symptoms

• Morning sickness (nausea or vomiting) is common but doesn't always occur in the morning.
• Constipation is a common symptom
• Food cravings and aversions change with mood
• Heartburn/indigestion is triggered by stomach acid
• Frequent urination is common and expected.
• Back pain and tiredness are common
• Vaginal thrush could occurs
• Changes in skin, including itching and potential skin tags, can occur.
• Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, can appear.
• Leg cramps and restless legs syndrome are possible.

Morning Sickness

• Morning sickness can occur at any time of the day.
• It is usually a result of hormone changes, and usually starts around week 6 and settles around week 14.
• To help manage morning sickness, drink plenty of fluids, especially diluted fruit juices and weak tea.
• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Avoid strong smells, greasy/spicy foods, and cooking smells.
• Try dry crackers/biscuits, salty snacks like potato chips, and barley sugar/boiled lollies in the morning to avoid feeling sick when getting out of bed.

First Trimester

• During the first trimester, fatigue, nausea (possibly vomiting) are common.

• Expect a gain of 1-2 kg, or less with morning sickness, the majority being in the: -Placenta -Breasts -Uterus -Extra blood

• Heart rate and breathing rate increase.

• Breasts become tender, larger, and heavier.

• The growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder, resulting in frequent urination.

• Mood swings are also common.

Second Trimester

• Morning sickness generally lessens or disappears in the second trimester.
• Fatigue, nausea, and moodiness can lessen
• Expect a gain of approximately 6 kg
• Anxiety about tests (such as ultrasounds) may be experienced
• Hair and nails may become stronger or softer and more prone to breakage.
• Increased cravings for particular foods (sweet, spicy, fatty).
• Taste or smell of some foods might be disliked.

Third Trimester

• Forgetfulness and discomfort can continue.
• Anxiety about labor may start to surface.
• A gain of about 5 kg is typical, mostly from the baby, amniotic fluid, the placenta, breasts, blood, and uterus.
• Back pain is often experienced.
• Sleep difficulties due to discomfort are common.
• Breathing may become more difficult due to the baby pressing on the lungs.
• Braxton Hicks contractions (tightening of uterus muscles) are possible but do not indicate labor.

Pregnancy Emotions

• Expect a range of emotions during pregnancy (joy, fear, surprise, happiness, anger, fear for baby's health, fear of birth, love for family).
• Sadness, disappointment, grief (e.g., miscarriage, stillbirth).
• Mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety).
• Mental health support is needed
• Communicate with doctors/midwives for any concerns.

Mood Swings

• Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to heightened emotions, which can fluctuate between positive and negative.
• Stress and overwhelmed feelings as well as worries about finances, relationship, and parenting can occur
• Physical and emotional fatigue
• Changes in appetite are common
• It's crucial to manage these mood swings to maintain well-being during pregnancy.

Heartburn

• Heartburn is common in pregnancy due to progesterone relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter.

• This allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest.

• Medication, like antacids (e.g., Tums, Rolaids), or acid-reducing medications (e.g., omeprazole) can be used to treat heartburn.

Trouble Sleeping

• Intense dreams and vivid dreams early in pregnancy can disrupt sleep.
• Frequent need to urinate often interrupts sleep.
• Belly size increases, making it difficult to achieve comfortable sleep positions.
• Baby's increased activity at night can also disturb sleep.
• Meditation apps, good sleep hygiene, and other strategies can help.

Nosebleeds

• Pregnancy's increased blood volume can make blood vessels more fragile, increasing nose bleed risk.
• Humidifiers, nasal sprays, and nasal rinses can be used to lessen nose bleed risk.
• Seek medical advice if bleeding persists for long

Swelling in Unexpected Places

• Fluid retention can lead to swelling in the hands, feet, ankles, or face due to increased blood volume.
• To manage this: avoid standing or sitting for long periods, elevate your legs, wear compression socks.
• Seek immediate medical attention for unusual or excessive swelling, especially in the face.

Bigger Feet

• Ligament loosening in the feet during pregnancy can result in a larger foot size.
• Invest in larger shoes.

Balance Problems

• Changes in center of gravity due to the growing belly can affect balance.

• Hormone-related loosening of ligaments in the hips, knees and ankles can worsen balance problems.

• Swelling in the feet further disrupts balance.

• Be mindful of your surroundings by paying attention to your surroundings and hazards (e.g., pets, rugs, trip hazards) to prevent falls.

Skin Changes

• Pregnancy hormones can cause skin changes such as stretch marks (pink, red, yellow, or brown), melasma (brown patches on the face), and linea nigra (dark line down the abdomen)..
• Keep the skin moisturised

Diastasis Recti

• In many pregnant women, the abdominal muscles split apart.
• This can happen in various degrees.
• Consult with a doctor or physical therapist for exercises and guidance to strengthen the core muscles.