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Nausea
or vomiting (sometimes called "morning sickness") is very
common in pregnancy. It usually begins at about week 6, and ends
at week 12. The cause is not known definitely, but is likely related
to hormonal and chemical changes in pregnancy.
The
treatment of morning sickness involves:
- Get as much rest
as possible.
- Try to avoid
stress.
- Eat frequent
small meals, every 2 hours.
- Meals high in
protein and carbohydrates are considered best.
- The foods should
also be easily digestible. Spicy foods usually worsen the problem.
- Cold foods have
less smell, and some women are much more sensitive to smell in pregnancy.
- Snack foods can
include soft bread, salty chips, sour pickles, crackers and fruit
juices.
- Do not drink
liquids for 30 minutes before eating.
- Simple antacids
may be used for heartburn.
- Ginger root and
slippery elm have not yet been proven safe.
- The use of a
medical like Diclectin® may be necessary. Diclectin® is considered
safe in pregnancy.
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Diclectin®
is taken usually before bed at night so that it will be working
by morning. The dose is 2 tablets. If this does not help, then
1 tablet can be added in the morning, and 1 tablet in the afternoon.
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Hints
for Reducing Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy
- Eat crackers
15 minutes before getting up in the morning.
- Eat frequent
small meals every 2 hours.
- Avoid drinking
liquids 1/2 hour before meals or 1/2 hour after meals.
- Drink plenty
of fluids between meals to prevent dehydration.
- Eat slowly and
do not lie down after eating.
- Do not skip meals
needlessly.
- Avoid spicy food.
- Avoid fried food,
especially if you fry it yourself.
- If odors bother
you, try to have good ventilation in the kitchen.
- Try eating cold
food instead of hot (cold food does not have as much smell).
- Do not hesitate
to eat when you feel you can.
From the Society
of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada
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