Ever woke up feeling a little queasy? If so, it could mean a lot of things. If you’re someone who has been trying to conceive and is expecting, nausea or a feeling of vomiting, particularly in the morning, could indicate pregnancy. If it is accompanied by other signs, such as a missed period or tender breasts, it is best to take a pregnancy test to get a confirmed diagnosis.
On the other hand, if you haven’t been planning parenthood, then morning sickness could signal various other things. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Gayatri Deshpande, Head of the Department - Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai, sheds light on the same.
Also Read: Morning Sickness During Pregnancy: 7 Tips For Effective Relief
Why Pregnancy Causes Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is one of the most common symptoms during pregnancy, affecting about 70% of pregnant women.
According to Dr Deshpande, morning sickness during pregnancy is primarily caused by hormonal changes, particularly an increase in levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and oestrogen. These hormonal fluctuations can lead to nausea and vomiting, especially during the first trimester or the first three months of pregnancy.
Factors Other Than Pregnancy That Can Cause Morning Sickness
Aside from pregnancy, other factors can also cause morning sickness, says Dr Deshpande. These include:
Gastrointestinal issues: Conditions like gastritis, which is the inflammation of the stomach lining, gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) can all trigger nausea and vomiting. Despite the name ‘morning sickness,’ it can occur at any time of the day.
Certain medications: According to Dr Deshpande, some drugs or medications can cause morning sickness. For example, antibiotics, antidepressants, pain medications, and certain vitamins or supplements may have nausea as a side effect, particularly when taken on an empty stomach, she says.
Dietary and lifestyle factors: Lifestyle and diet factors can also contribute to morning sickness, the doctor adds. She says, “Eating spicy or fatty foods, skipping meals, or having an empty stomach can trigger nausea. Additionally, fatigue, dehydration, and strong odours may exacerbate symptoms.
Anxiety and stress: While the exact link isn't fully understood, anxiety and stress can manifest physically as nausea. When you're anxious, your body goes into a 'fight-or-flight' mode, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline. Research suggests that there is a relationship between the brain and the gut, which is why these stress hormones can disrupt the digestive system, leading to nausea or even vomiting. Due to this brain-gut connection, it is also believed that anxiety and stress can affect the gut microbiome, the balance of bacteria in your digestive system. This imbalance can further contribute to nausea and other digestive issues.
Also Read: Experiencing Extreme Morning Sickness? Here’s What Causes Hyperemesis Gravidarum During Pregnancy
How To Manage Morning Sickness
Dr Deshpande says, “Treatment approaches for morning sickness vary depending on the severity of symptoms.”
“Lifestyle modifications, such as eating small, frequent meals, staying hydrated, and avoiding triggers, can help alleviate symptoms. Ginger supplements or tea may also provide relief. In more severe cases, prescription medications like antiemetics may be prescribed by a healthcare provider,” she advises.
However, she emphasises consulting a healthcare professional if the cause of morning sickness is pregnancy. Self-medication and resorting to other treatments without the guidance of a doctor may not fare well for the mother and the baby.
Conclusion
Morning sickness, while mostly harmless, can be discomforting. One of the most common causes is pregnancy, while other factors, such as diet, gastrointestinal issues, stress, and certain medications, can contribute to it too. Usually, lifestyle modifications can help manage the symptom. However, treatment can only be determined depending on the cause of the condition. Pregnant women should particularly speak with a doctor to understand the best course of action for their ailment.