Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is commonly known as morning sickness. The disease is called so because the symptoms are especially worse in the morning. It is separate from the condition classified as hyperemesis gravid arum, which implies persistent, severe vomiting throughout pregnancy. Nausea begins in the first month of pregnancy and usually subsides in the second trimester. It is not harmful for the fetus or the mother, unless it is accompanied by other complications such as diarrhea, temperature or excessive vomiting, which result in dehydration and malnutrition. About 10-20% of women have no nausea or vomiting, 28-30% have nausea only, and 52-56% experience some vomiting. Some researches say morning sickness can be a sign of a healthy pregnancy as moderate nausea and vomiting during pregnancy have been found to lower the risk of complete miscarriage. This protective effect is absent in mothers not suffering from nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, which may indicate lower levels of estrogens.

The symptoms would include nausea, which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting.

Although different for each woman, some common preventive methods would include the following

• Switch to smaller, more frequent meals. It can help both heartburn and nausea.
• Avoid fluids at mealtime; drink fluids between meals only.
• Eat more fruits and complex carbohydrates such as potatoes, crackers and pasta. Sensitive stomachs find those foods easier to tolerate.
• Take prenatal vitamins later in the day.
• Keep some plain crackers or dry cereal by your bedside table to mitigate nausea.
• While nauseated, eat low-fat, bland foods, such as unbuttered rice, potatoes, noodles, crackers, toast, cereal, unbuttered cooked vegetables, soft fruits (especially bananas), poached or boiled egg, and most soups.
• Get out of bed slowly. Avoid sudden movements.
• Fresh air may help. Take a short walk, or try sleeping with the window open. When cooking, open windows and use the exhaust fan to get rid of odors.
• Eat or drink something sour like lemon or a sour pickle.
• Slowly sip a carbonated beverage or carbonated water when feeling nauseated.
• Sit upright after meals to reduce the frequency of stomach upset (gastric reflux).

No cause has been identified for morning sickness as such aside from "hormones of pregnancy." Strong correlations have been noted between nausea/vomiting of pregnancy and nausea brought on by birth control pills, suggesting a common hormonal basis for both phenomena. Some researchers found higher levels of HCG in patients with nausea and vomiting than those who were asymptomatic. Lower blood sugar levels during early pregnancy, an enhanced sense of smell, excess stomach acids, and increased fatigue might also be a contributing factor. Some researchers theorize that stress and emotions may also play a role in morning sickness.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

Blood tests including CBC and blood chemistry.

Pregnancy tests 1. If it lasts beyond the 4th month 2. If it occurs late in pregnancy 3. Excessive - marked wt. loss 4. Affects the general health of mother (Fluid & electrolyte imbalance)

Eat light food. For breakfast have orange juice sweetened with honey and slip slowly. Take yogurt and eat plenty of fiber and salads.

Try to keep a positive attitude. Morning sickness usually stops after the first 3 or 4 months of pregnancy. Other than preventive measures, only time or the birth of the child will ultimately cure morning sickness. Well-ventilated rooms which prevent accumulation of cooking odors or cigarette smoke may help prevent morning sickness. Avoid cigarette smoking. Avoid medications (which are usually not necessary for this disorder) without consulting the doctor. To help minimize nausea, try eating a few soda crackers or dry toast before rising from bed in the morning. Take a small snack at bedtime and when getting up to go to the bathroom at night. Eating a snack as often as every hour or 2 during the day. Avoid large meals and try snacks that consist of high-protein food, such as peanut butter on apple slices or celery, nuts, cheese and crackers, milk, cottage cheese and yogurt. Avoid foods that are high in fat and salt but low in nutrition. Soothing therapies are effective which can include massages and acupressure points.

Do deep breathing exercises every morning and take a brisk deep breathing walk daily to increase oxygen supply to the body. Music also helps to calm the mind.

Baby Me Now Morning Ease is dietary supplement that contains a blend of herbs including ginger and red raspberry. Ginger shows its beneficial effects on digestion, nausea, vomiting and morning sickness. ^{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9} Raspberry is a herb which exhibits its wholesome effects on morning sickness and different other pregnancy problems. ^{1, 2, 7} Morning Sickness Magic is a nutritional supplement that also contains raspberry that exhibits its positive effects on morning sickness and different pregnancy problems. ^{1, 2, 7}

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.