Pregnancy sickness

Pregnancy sickness is very common in pregnancy. It is thought that the number may be as high as 70 to 80 per cent of women are affected. The sickness can vary from slight discomfort to vomiting. The sickness can start even before you miss a period and are normally away after the third month but can in some cases be there throughout the pregnancy.

Pregnancy sickness is also referred to as ‘morning sickness’ but it can occur at any time during the day.

What is the cause of pregnancy sickness?
Hormone human gonadotrophin (HCG)

Despite the amount of research that has been undertaken, the causes are not fully understood. It may well be a combination of different things. The hormone human gonadotrophin (HCG) is thought to be one of the culprits. This hormone is prevalent in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and then the levels drop. Lower levels of this hormone may be the reason that pregnancy sickness tends to ease off after 12 weeks.

Is Oestrogen a cause?

Oestrogen is also a potential cause as this hormone rises throughout the pregnancy. This hormone may increase your sense of smell which may trigger the sickness.

Tiredness?

This is thought to be a cause along with low blood pressure and low sugar levels. Taking short naps can hep combat this.

Why does your body do this?

Many people have speculated that the body does this for a reason. Many think the body is protecting you from harmful substances and research has linked it to a lower level of miscarriage. There is thought to be a link between nausea and vomiting and a healthily baby. Research points to an increased weight of the placenta that supports this theory. More evidence and research is needed to back up these claims.

Eating tips to help with pregnancy sickness

Try to eat more frequent meals
Suck peppermints
Drink plenty of water
Eat food with the vitamin b6 for example potatoes, bananas, brown rice, fish, lean meat, and poultry.