Pregnancy – putting an end to morning sickness!

[13 December 2011 - 17h00]
[mis à jour le 14 December 2011 à 17h00]

Sickness in early pregnancy can be triggered simply by smells – even ones that aren’t unpleasant – or just by changing position. This sickness can be a real problem for some women, driving many to the point of despair. Especially as there are not many effective “remedies” around to help.

More than half of all pregnant women suffer from nausea and vomiting during their pregnancy. This happens mainly during the first and second trimester. Some experience nausea just from smelling things cooking, or from perfume. Not to mention tobacco…

Interestingly, we are still not entirely clear about the precise causes of this nausea and the vomiting that sometimes accompanies it. However, many scientists point the finger at the hormonal flux that goes along with the gestation period.

There is little advice that is likely to be applicable to all mums-to-be! Most often, each woman finds the anti-nausea or anti-vomiting strategy that suits her best by trial and error.

For example, some women find that on getting up in the morning the symptoms can be alleviated by doing so slowly and gently. Others find that it helps to eat their breakfast in bed and leave it another 10 or 15 minutes before getting up.

You should also try eating small amounts only. You may find too that your nausea can be helped by certain foods – for some women this may be coffee, for others stewed apple or a particular jam… If you’re affected in this way, it’s a matter of finding the one that’s right for you!

And, of course, you should never try any form of treatment with speaking first to your doctor or pharmacist.

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