what causes the characteristic sickness feeling during pregnancy?

Question

I am not planning on getting pregnant for some time yet but I was wondering what causes the sickness feeling which those women have. What does the doctor prescribe to stop it?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, no one is exactly sure what causes morning sickness but it would seem that the cause is a combination of issues related to the chemical changes your body is going through. Those changes include rapidly increasing estrogen and progesterone levels, an enhanced sense of smell and excess stomach acids. It has also been suggested that stress and fatigue that commonly accompany pregnancy also play a role.
One of the theories is that morning sickness is caused by the dominant hormone during pregnancy, progesterone. Progesterone has a "softening" effect on the muscles in the body. It is thought it helps prevent preterm labor by effecting the uterine muscles. It also effects other muscles, such as the stomach and intestines. The progesterone relaxes the workings of the whole digestive track which makes the elimination of bodily wastes slower which can lead to a slow emptying of the stomach which leads to excess stomach acids.

Another theory, and more widely accepted, is that morning sickness is caused by the buildup of hCG (human chorionic gonadotopin) in your system. hCG is produced after implantation takes place and continues to increase until about the 12th week of your pregnancy, at which point the levels of hCG starts to decrease. If you are lucky, this is when your morning sickness symptoms will start to decrease as well.

Morning sickness isn't all bad though. Recent studies have suggested that mothers who have morning sickness have fewer miscarriages so there IS a bright spot in the midst of your morning, or in some cases, all day miseries.

Answer 2

Not all women experience morning sickness. I didn't. It can occur anytime during a pregnancy. The doctor won't prescribe anything. Medications are sparingly prescribed during a pregnancy, especially during the first trimester when the most damage can be done to the rapidly growing fetus.
What has worked for my sisters and friends who suffered morning sickness was to get up slowly after lying down. To sip a little water and nibble a cracker while dangling the legs over the bedside. To eat smaller meals and avoid those that are notorious for causing heartburn or indigestion.
The baby's growth takes up abdominal space. This means less room for digestive organs, so an overly full stomach can be uncomfortable. Hormonal changes can also be the cause.
Here's a little unsolicited advice: Before you decide to conceive, make sure you are in your best physical condition. Gain or lose weight to come to the standard for your body frame. Stop consuming alcohol, exercise, and take folic acid (over the counter is fine.) These simple steps will ensure proper cell development for your baby and help you maintain your good health.
Good luck to you in the future.

Answer 3

Morning sickness is due to the surge of pregnancy hormones in your body and usually only lasts for a short period. It can range in severity from just feeling a little nausous to throwing up to not being able to keep anything down. And unless your morning sickness is so bad that you are dehydrated the doctor won't prescribe anything. And for a lucky few, they may never experience morning sickness. And it doesn't just happen in the morning....it can be anytime.
I never felt it in the a.m., mine bothered me mostly in the evening. For a while it was from afternoon to evening. I found that I was able to control mine pretty well by nibbling on baby carrots and graham crackers throughout the day. Each individual pregnancy is different.

Answer 4

I've heard all sorts of reasons from hormone imbalance to the body sensing something foreign and reacting.
I know this is not really what you asked but I saw what others wrote and I want to say that when it comes to it everyone is different.
It's all very well for people to say it's not so bad but obviously THEY don't have it so bad. There is no generalisation. Some people are nauseous for the whole pregnancy and some aren't at all. Some are nauseous only the last month and some only the first three/ four and some can't function and are so badly sick that they have to go to hospital for fluids every so often (though that is very rare)

Answer 5

Ths sick feeling is believed to be caused by the surge of hormones in your body. It often occurs in the morning because you have not yet eaten that day and usually once you eat, you feel better. The feeling can however come at any time of day, and some women do not feel better when they have eaten. Dr's usually do not prescribe anything unless you are a severe case. . .losing weight ect. THat is beacuse the risks outweigh the benefits.

Answer 6

Its not as bad as you think and you may not even experience it at all... It last for only the first trimester (3 mos.) Foods, taste different and things you are used to smell different. Chemical smells can make you feel queassy, but I don't actually know why... I did experience it for my first and I was told to keep saltines and coca cola next to my bed and eat and sip before even getting out of bed.. I have to say that it did help. After the 3 months, it just stops, then you feel really great. Try it its not so bad...

Answer 7

It is caused by the special hormones that kick in when you get pregnant. Doctors don't prescribe anything for it but there are things you can do at home, such as eat smaller meals more frequently, eat crackers before getting out of bed in the morning, etc.