Introduction
Evening sickness in pregnancy, often referred to as “hyperemesis gravidarum” (HG), is a severe type of nausea/vomiting that can occur anytime during pregnancy. This condition is particularly common during the first trimester and can have a huge impact on women’s physical and emotional well-being. HG usually lasts up to three months and can cause an array of serious symptoms such as extreme fatigue, dizziness/lightheadedness, headaches, indigestion and dehydration. HG also affects appetite and diet, as women often experience nausea when trying to eat or drink anything other than water or small amounts of food. With severe cases of HG, some women may find themselves requiring medical attention or even hospitalization due to their inability to keep down any fluids or nutrients. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, medical treatments include medication (eg anti-nausea medications) or IV fluids (which can help replenish lost electrolytes). Although it is not known why some pregnant women experience HG while others don’t, research suggests that it may be linked to increased production of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin hormone as well as hormonal imbalances in pregnancy.
Common Causes of Evening Sickness in Pregnancy
Evening sickness during pregnancy affects many women and is one of the most common complaints they have. Certain hormones released during pregnancy called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can cause morning or evening sickness. Some other causes of evening sickness include fatigue, low blood sugar, dehydration, stress, too much food consumption at once, and changes in hormones. Women can also experience food aversions or allergies that can cause nausea and vomiting in the evening. Additionally, food intolerances such as lactose intolerance may lead to the same symptoms. Other non-diet related causes of nausea in the evening include smells or medications that are strong smelling or particularly disagreeable to a pregnant woman’s senses. Lastly, changes in lighting or sound can also trigger feelings of nausea and sickness. If these causes cannot be identified, visiting a doctor may be necessary to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Typical Symptoms of Evening Sickness in Pregnancy
Many women experience evening sickness in pregnancy. This common condition is frequently referred to as “morning sickness”, but it can, in fact, strike at any time during the day and even into the evening hours. While symptoms of morning sickness can range from mild nausea to more severe vomiting and extreme fatigue, they are typically most pronounced during the morning hours.
Common symptoms of evening sickness include feeling light-headed or dizzy, nausea, abdominal discomfort or pain, fatigue, heartburn or indigestion and loss of appetite. Some women may also experience food cravings for certain foods that might not generally be appealing outside of pregnancy. Other distractions such as strong odors from cooking or external stimulus could make symptoms worse. In rare cases, some women may develop hyperemesis gravidarum (severe morning sickness) which will cause more intense symptoms including weight loss due to inability to hold down food and fluid intake.
Diagnosing Evening Sickness in Pregnancy
In order to diagnose evening sickness in pregnancy, a doctor will likely begin by discussing the patient’s medical history as well as any other relevant symptoms they may be experiencing. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, additional testing such as blood work and ultrasounds might be recommended. Blood work is used to check for a wide range of hormones, such as thyroid hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), that can indicate whether or not the patient is pregnant. Ultrasounds are used to determine the location and development of the fetus, thereby confirming if there is an actual pregnancy. In addition, a physician may recommend lifestyle interventions such as eating smaller meals more frequently and avoiding foods that have been known to trigger nausea or vomiting in some patients. If necessary, medications may also be prescribed in order to alleviate symptoms associated with evening sickness in pregnancy.
Treatment Options for Morning Sickness in Pregnancy
There are many treatment options for morning sickness in pregnancy. Many women find relief from taking a multivitamin with folic acid and B12, eating small, frequent meals and snacks, avoiding fatty or sugary foods, and drinking plenty of fluids (water or ginger tea). Women might also want to try using motion sickness bands (which apply pressure behind the ear), snacking on crackers before getting out of bed in the morning and avoiding strong scents that make them nauseous. Other remedies include essential oils, ginger root supplements and peppermint capsules. Additionally, taking prescribed drugs like Promethazine or Doxylamine can provide some relief if other methods fail. As with any medical condition during pregnancy, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before trying different medications or remedies.
When to See a Doctor for Evening Sickness in Pregnancy
If pregnant women experience more than mild nausea and vomiting in the evening, they should contact their OB-GYN or healthcare provider. Severe evening sickness can be a sign of a more serious condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which can cause dehydration and malnutrition if left untreated. Women who vomit multiple times per day and cannot eat or drink anything without vomiting should notify their doctor immediately. Other complications to look out for include dizziness, lightheadedness, headaches, weakness, fainting spells, changes in skin color due to excessive vomiting, and excessively yellow urine or dark colored stools caused by poor hydration levels. There is also an increased risk of developing oral problems such as weak gums and jaw pain due to excessive nausea, so women should see their dentist for regular check ups during pregnancy to ensure good oral health. In addition to seeking medical help if needed, there are some lifestyle changes women can make to reduce symptoms of evening sickness in pregnancy including eating smaller meals throughout the day; avoiding spicy foods; and changing activities when feeling nauseous.
Pregnancy Mental Health During Evening Sickness
The condition of evening sickness in pregnancy can take on a huge mental toll for the expecting mother. This is especially true if the mom-to-be is constantly feeling nauseous and battling against vomiting spells during the latter part of each day. Morning and all day sickness can be quite tiring, but it is particularly difficult to deal with when occurrences are most likely during night time hours before bed.
Mental health can greatly suffer as a result of dealing with evening sickness, as feelings often include frustration, exhaustion and sometimes even depression. Anxiety may increase due to worries about not being able to get enough rest during already fatigue-filled days made worse by sickness in the evenings. Women who have experienced this type of morning/evening sickness throughout their pregnancy often require extra emotional support from friends and family due to the decreased mental energy they natural feel.
Medical attention should also be sought for any woman experiencing severe symptoms both mentally and physically; many doctors are now recommending counseling for patients who feel depressed or otherwise unable to cope with severe illness during pregnancy. Therapists can provide strategies both on managing physical symptoms and helping protect those important mental aspects of health for Expecting Moms when dealing with intense evening sickness throughout their pregnancy period.
Summary
Evening sickness in pregnancy is a common symptom that many women experience. Though it is named “evening sickness,” it can actually occur at any time of the day. Characterized by nausea and sometimes vomiting, evening sickness can make pregnancy difficult for some mothers-to-be.
Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks to help alleviate the discomfort and minimize symptoms. Pregnant women should ensure they are eating small meals throughout the day instead of large ones, as well as avoiding fatty foods or meals high in sugar. Staying away from certain smells may be beneficial as well – for example, those associated with perfumes or other strong odors. Additionally, snacking on crackers prior to getting out of bed in the morning may help settle the stomach until breakfast can be consumed later. Exercise has also been known to be beneficial toward coping with morning sickness – light exercise such as stretching or going for an easy walk on a daily basis can positively impact overall wellbeing during pregnancy.
Finally, pregnant women should get plenty of rest – though this may seem daunting considering the difficulty of sleeping with uncomfortable symptoms like evening sickness; taking naps when possible may prove useful and even just relaxing in bed before able to sleep can be helpful towards managing symptoms.
Resources and Further Reading on Evening Sickness in Pregnancy
Nausea and vomiting, commonly referred to as “morning sickness”, are very common during pregnancy. But there is another form of nausea that can pop up during certain stages of pregnancy: evening sickness.
Every pregnant woman experiences some degree of morning sickness but evening sickness intensifies in the later stages of the first trimester and can last until the end of the second trimester. Many women find that her nausea increases at night or right before bed regardless of what she ate throughout the day. Some women may experience actual vomiting while others may suffer from extreme discomfort.
For those dealing with evening sickness, it can be a real struggle getting through dinner and night time activities on a daily basis. Here are some tips on managing evening sickness in pregnancy:
• Eat small meals throughout the day to avoid hunger pangs at night.
• Try avoiding spicy foods if they trigger any discomfort or nausea.
• Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated and well nourished
• Take your prenatal vitamins at different times throughout the day rather than only once a day.
Here are some helpful resources for further reading on Evening Sickness in Pregnancy:
• American Pregnancy Association – Morning Sickness & Nausea https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/morning-sickness-nausea/
• MayoClinic – Nausea During Pregnancy https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/nausea-during-pregnancy/art-20043844
• Parents Magazine – Dealing with Evening Sickness During Pregnancy https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/advice/dealing-with-evening-sickness–duringpregnancy/#page=1
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