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Morning sickness is a common sign of pregnancy and almost all pregnant women experience morning sickness in the first trimester. Some women may continue to experience it throughout their pregnancy but only a few experience symptoms of morning sickness at night. Morning sickness at night is essentially morning sickness symptoms that occur after sunset. Let’s find out what triggers night sickness, its causes, and tips to manage it.
Can Morning Sickness Occur at Night?
Pregnant women usually experience nausea in the morning. Hence, the term “morning sickness”. However, once you are pregnant you will realize that nausea is not something that you experience only in the morning; you may feel sick and queasy at all times, be it morning, afternoon, evening, or night!
Causes of Night Sickness in Pregnant Women
Nausea and vomiting are not just constricted to the morning hours during pregnancy. You can experience it even during the night time. In fact, night sickness is even more troublesome since it can keep you from getting proper rest at night.
Night sickness may be caused due to many reasons; one of the major reasons for night sickness is the changes that your body goes through in early pregnancy. It is also the work of hormones, which keep on rising rapidly during the first trimester. Some women may also suffer from it due to their sensitivity to a particular smell. Consuming too much spice and oil also leads to acidity and indigestion in some women and can cause morning sickness at night. Pregnancy may also lead to a lot of stress in women, which may be one of the causes of night sickness.
Tips to Overcome Pregnancy Nausea at Night
It may be strange to experience morning sickness at night, but it is a common thing that happens during pregnancy. It is possible to overcome pregnancy nausea at night. Here is a list of tips to help you overcome the symptoms of morning sickness at night.
1. Correct Your Sleeping Position
Acid reflux is a big cause of night sickness. Therefore, to avoid it, prop up your head with two pillows to keep it little elevated and sleep on your left side with your right knee bent. You can also keep a pillow between your knees for more comfort.
2. Eat Small Meals
Eat frequently, but eat less. Make sure that your meals are small and frequent, as this is the best way to keep yourself from being hungry or too full. It is advisable to eat something every two or three hours. However, follow a healthy diet. Your diet should consist of foods rich in protein, carbohydrates, and other essential nutrients required for a healthy pregnancy. Always keep some biscuits or dry fruits near your bed, so that even during the night, you have something to munch on. Eating fennel seeds after a meal or when you feel queasy can help, as it helps in digestion.
3. Avoid Spicy Food
Eating non-spicy food such as toast, milk, broth, clear soup, white rice, or bananas can help in preventing night sickness.
4. Avoid Fatty Foods and Sugar
Pregnant women should stay away from food items containing lots of fat and sugar since it is hard to digest and therefore can cause acidity and indigestion.
5.Increase Fluid Intake
Increasing your fluid intake can help cure indigestion, which is usually one of the main causes of nausea and sickness during pregnancy. Keeping a bottle of water or some lemonade near your bed and sipping it from time to time will keep your body hydrated and, as a result, keep nausea at bay. Sipping apple juice through the night will also help in keeping your blood sugar levels stable.
6. Avoid strong smells
If the smell of perfume or some curry makes you nauseated, stay away from it. If a certain smell at home makes you queasy, open all the windows and let fresh air come in or switch on the exhaust fan.
7. Eat Something Sour
Sour taste works like an astringent and helps alleviate nausea during pregnancy. Therefore, go for something like a lemon pickle, which is dipped only in salt. It is also a great remedy for a bad stomach.
8. Try Acupressure or Sea-Sickness Bands
Seasickness bands are worn around the wrist. They press upon certain points that help in temporary reduction of nausea during pregnancy. However, if the band does not provide you relief, consider acupressure, as it is more intensive and helps cure nausea as soon as possible.
9. Eat Ginger
Ginger has medicinal properties, which can cure nausea and other ailments like a cough, cold and migraine, too. You can include ginger in your daily diet in the form of ginger tea or in salads. Eating a ginger lozenge can also help. Sip ginger tea in the evening. However, do not overdo it, since too much ginger and tea can cause gas and acidity. Anywhere between 1 to 3 grams of ginger can be consumed per day, without any negative effects on your health.
10. Try Aromatherapy
Essential oils like lavender and peppermint will relax you and alleviate nausea. You can apply a few drops on your wrist or put it in your handkerchief and simply smell it when you are nauseated or sick. You can also burn a few scented candles to calm you down.
11. Follow the BRAT Diet
The BRAT diet, which consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, can help cure nausea and vomiting. It is also good for people suffering from a bad stomach and loose motion. However, stop following this diet once your nausea and sickness is under control, as this diet does not provide you with the nutrients required during pregnancy.
12. Consult Your Doctor
If you experience extreme night sickness during pregnancy, consult your doctor. Ask him for medicines that can provide relief from pregnancy nausea. You should take medicines only after consulting your doctor, as it could have an adverse effect on your pregnancy.
13. Drink Something Warm
Drink something warm before going to bed. A warm drink will prepare your mind and body for some sleep. You may drink ginger tea or peppermint tea.
14. Don’t Tire Yourself Out
Do not over-work yourself. Tiring your body will result in fatigue and stress, which may trigger nausea. Instead, go for an activity which will de-stress and relax you. You can go for a walk or practice prenatal yoga.
15. Have an Early Dinner
It is advisable to have dinner at least two hours before going to bed. This helps in proper digestion of the food and prevents acid reflux.
16. Eat Foods Rich in Vitamin B6 and B12
Eat foods that are a rich source of Vitamin B6 and B12. You can eat different types of nuts, banana, carrot, fish, chicken, spinach, onion, tofu, egg, yoghurt, etc., to cure nausea during pregnancy.
17. Try Deep Breathing Exercises
If night sickness is stopping you from sleeping peacefully, try deep breathing exercises that will relax your senses and nerves. You can also try lighting some aromatic candles and listen to soothing music while lying on your bed. Remember to switch off your phone, computer, and television before you hit the bed.
18. Prenatal Massage
A good massage with some aromatic oil like lavender or citrus just before going to bed, followed by a warm bath, will relax your senses and help you sleep well at night.
When to Consult a Doctor
Though slight morning sickness can be easily managed at home with some natural remedies, make sure to watch out for certain symptoms that may indicate a severe issue. Consult your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the following symptoms.
1. Severe Nausea
Severe nausea may not just be due to morning sickness and could indicate a deeper issue that may require investigation.
2. Inability to Digest Liquids or Food
If you frequently vomit after consuming some liquids or food, it may mean you have some other problem, such as stomach infection, which may be causing morning sickness.
3. Passing Less Urine
If you only pass a small amount of urine, it could be due to dehydration, which is dangerous during pregnancy.
4. Vomiting Blood
Vomiting Blood is not a normal symptom of morning sickness and requires a doctor’s consultation.
5. Feeling Dizzy
If you feel dizzy or faint during the day, it could be a sign of low blood pressure or some other problem.
Night sickness during pregnancy can be distressing, if severe. It may keep you awake all night and stress you out. Therefore, you should try and prevent it in the initial stages. If you suffer from extreme pregnancy nausea at night, consult a doctor to get it treated at the earliest.
References and Resources:
Healthline
