Morning
sickness is a very common feature of the first three months
of pregnancy, sometimes starting only a few days after conception.
Some unfortunate women tend to be sick, on and off, right through
the pregnancy, others can be so sick ( hyperemesis gravidarum)
that they have to be admitted to hospital. For the vast majority,
however, morning sickness is a temporary, unpleasant inconvenience.
It tends to be worse in multiple pregnancy and in some conditions
where there is abnormal placental growth. It can vary considerably
from pregnancy to pregnancy in the same woman. It is said that
some women who have had more than one partner may be more sick
with one man's babies than with another's. Hyperemesis gravidarum
can threaten the lives of both mother and unborn child and hospitalisation
and intravenous feeding may be necessary, even termination of
pregnancy in the most severe cases. The majority of women admitted
with excessive vomiting, however, often settle down very rapidly
and need no further treatment at all. In most cases, morning
sickness ceases at about 12 weeks of pregnancy.
There is no particular management of simple morning sickness. Doctors tend to avoid prescribing medications as far as possible as this first three month period of pregnancy is the time when the developing foetus can come to the most harm. If the vomiting is fairly severe, however, there are medications prescribable by the doctor, mainly of the anti-histamine and phenothiazine variety, which can be used and are, as far as one can tell, safe. Generally, simple measures are helpful. Changes in routine may be made like having a light breakfast in bed before getting up. But these measures may vary enormously from woman to woman and only trial and error will show which can help. The assistance of the partner may be called upon in these domestic adjustments. If the vomiting is severe, and particularly if there is any sign of dehydration such as scanty, dark yellow urine, the doctor should be consulted straight away. |
