What causes morning sickness?

No one really knows. Remember, your body is going through some big changes,
and rising levels of hormones may play a role.

But some cases of nausea and vomiting are severe. If this is you, call your
doctor-you may need medical treatment. It can lead to loss of weight and body fluids.

About three-quarters of all pregnant women have nausea, and sometimes vomiting, during their first trimester. Morning sickness can actually strike at any time. It usually starts around 6 weeks but can come on as early as 4 weeks, and usually tapers off around 13 weeks.

What can you do about it?

Avoid foods or smells that trigger nausea. Try eating foods that are cold or
room temperature since they usually have less odor than hot foods.

Eat a few crackers when you first awake, and then rest for 20 to 30 minutes
before getting out of bed. Crackers may even help if you wake up feeling
nauseated in the middle of the night.

Make sure your stomach is never empty. Eat small, frequent meals or snacks
throughout the day. Bland foods that are high in protein or carbohydrates
can also help fight nausea. Crackers, biscuits, or low-fat yogurt are good.

Avoid fatty, rich, spicy, acidic, and fried foods.

Try drinking fluids mostly between meals, and limit them during meals. It's
important to keep yourself well hydrated, but don't drink so much at once
that your stomach feels full

Relax and take naps if you can.

Try taking your vitamins with food, or just before bed. Or, ask your doctor
about switching to a prenatal vitamin without iron for the first trimester,
since it can be hard on your digestive system.

Ask your doctor about vitamin B6. No one knows why, but B6 eases
nausea in some women.

Something else believed to settle stomach queasiness is ginger. Try to find
some ginger ale made with real ginger (most aren't). Or put some fresh
grated ginger into hot water for ginger tea. Ginger candies are also worth a try.

If nothing else works, talk to your doctor about anti-nausea
medications for pregnant women.