Understanding What Causes Morning Sickness

Nausea is one of the most common and well-known symptoms of pregnancy, but when does morning sickness start? Typically, it starts between the first four to six weeks of pregnancy, and most women find that it abates by about week 14. However, it can vary between women, and even between pregnancies. Interestingly, the pregnancy nausea hormone that doctors now believe contributes most significantly to nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is a protein called GDF15, which is produced by the fetus. It can also be caused by hCG, estrogen, and progesterone, and even stress or fatigue. If you have a family history of morning sickness, you will be more likely to experience it. Knowing what causes it is probably not your priority when you are experiencing it; rather, you want to know what helps with nausea. Read on for tried and true methods to help relieve your nausea during pregnancy.

A pregnant woman drinking water emphasizing hydration for morning sickness in San Diego, CA

Foods that Fight Nausea During Pregnancy

Many women find it helpful to keep something bland and easy, like crackers, on the bedside table, to provide a snack on waking. Other bland, easy to digest foods that may help include bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Bland flavors are less likely to upset your stomach, and starch can help with a queasy feeling by absorbing stomach acids. High protein foods are also very effective at relieving nausea, so having proteins like chicken, peanut butter, hard-boiled eggs, hard cheeses, nuts, edamame, ad Greek yogurt readily available can help you proactively snack to prevent nausea. These snacks will also help you meet your recommended protein goal for pregnancy, which is about 60 grams per day.

What to Eat When Nauseous: Fruits and Vegetables High in Water Content

In addition to bland foods and proteins, foods that replace fluids, electrolytes, and calories are essential after vomiting. Fruits and vegetables with a high water content, like watermelon and cucumbers, are good for replenishing fluids and nutrients. Ginger, carbonated beverages, herbal teas and broth, and peppermint have also been found helpful for alleviating nausea in pregnant women.

Can Certain Foods Cause Pregnancy Nausea?

A pregnant woman’s sense of smell is heightened, and foods with strong odors can trigger nausea and vomiting. Because hot food and drinks are more likely to have a strong aroma, it can be best to eat cold foods and drink cold liquids when you are feeling queasy. If liquids are hard to keep down, try popsicles, chilled fruit, frozen yogurt, sorbet, or ice cream. And while trigger foods vary between women, some common foods that can cause nausea in pregnancy include fried foods, spicy foods, and foods with a high sugar content.

Advanced Functional Medicine Can Help You Learn How to Get Rid of Nausea

From fertility to pregnancy to breastfeeding to menopause, and beyond, Advanced Functional Medicine, provides comprehensive women’s health services. At our integrated medical clinic, we exclusively practice functional medicine, providing holistic care for women’s bodies and minds. We offer solutions for female reproductive health and beyond, caring for women’s minds and bodies instead of simply treating symptoms. Our whole body approach to medicine utilizes all-natural, researched-based nutritional approaches to optimize the body’s natural healing abilities, rather than just using medication to treat symptoms. While women often face challenges when seeking healthcare, we emphasize the entire mind and body, offering complete care for females. No matter where you are in your reproductive journey, we will provide you with the comprehensive care you need to thrive. To schedule an appointment or learn more about how we can help restore your health and strengthen your body’s unique physiological functions, call 858-500-5572 or contact us through our website.