Morning Sickness (Pregnancy Sickness)

Spectrum of Pregnancy Sickness
Morning or pregnancy sickness presents to various degrees from light symptoms of nausea and vomiting to Hyperemesis gravidarum which can imply dehydration, weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. HG can be life threatening to mother and child.

Risk Factors
Women with a personal or family history of pregnancy sickness are more likely to develop it again. But other factors also play a role such as maternal age, socio-economic background and multiple pregnancies to name a few.

Aetiology
Research indicates that maternal serum hCG represents a contributory marker for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. H, pylori infections have found to be a contributing factor to hyperemesis gravidorum. There may also be a genetic factor with certain genes being strongly associated with severe nausea and vomiting.

Diagnosis
The severity of pregnancy sickness is assessed according to parameters such as frequency and intensity of the symptoms, lab results and whether there is significant weight loss with  hyperemesis gravidorum requiring more in-depth testing and diagnostics.

Implications
In severe cases, implications can be quite dramatic with 20% of affected women developing PTSD and some even entering a stage of suicide ideation. Other consequences include cardiovascular problems, increased risk of fetal loss and severe problems post birth due to nutritional deficiency.

Treatment
In lighter cases, lifestyle adjustments, an adequate eating routine and supervised supplementation can be helpful measures. In more severe situations medication may be required such as anti-emetics, anti-histamines or cortical-steroids.

Nutritional Considerations
Isobel recommends tracking symptom triggers and listening to the body’s signals of aversions. Adequate hydration is important as well as food quality and eating rhythms. 

Preconception Considerations
Ideally, a couple should start on supporting their overall health three to four months before getting pregnant. Through testing and working with possible deficiencies, better conditions for a healthy pregnancy and baby can be achieved.