When does morning sickness start and end? How should I spend my time when things are tough?

Severe morning sickness. Make sure you know what happens, when it happens, and how to deal with it.

Does morning sickness always happen?

It is said that about 80% of pregnant women experience morning sickness, so it is safe to assume that most pregnant women will experience morning sickness. Symptoms and severity vary greatly from person to person; some people experience few or only mild symptoms, while others become so severe that they require hospitalization.

What happens?

During morning sickness, gastrointestinal problems such as nausea and vomiting mainly occur.
The main symptoms include being sensitive to certain smells and feeling sick, feeling nauseous when eating, feeling nauseous when hungry, feeling sluggish and sleepy, etc. Some people also experience increased saliva production.
The severity of symptoms varies from person to person. It can occur in combination, and in severe cases, you may be unable to eat much at all.

From when to when?

Morning sickness often occurs during the early stages of pregnancy, when the body undergoes major changes, and typically begins around the fifth week of pregnancy. The peak occurs between weeks 8 and 11, when symptoms are often the most severe and subside by about week 16 in most people.
Some pregnant women start experiencing morning sickness late in their pregnancy.

Why does it happen?

Although there are still some things that are not understood, one of the main causes is changes in hormonal balance.
When pregnant, in order to stabilize the pregnancy and prepare for childbirth, in addition to female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is unique to pregnancy, increases rapidly. These factors are thought to affect the mother's physical condition.

What should I do if I can't eat due to morning sickness?

During morning sickness, your food preferences change, and you may find yourself unable to eat the foods you used to like, or craving foods you didn't like before. Different people have different foods that are easy to eat, so it's a good idea to find foods that you can eat and prepare them. Being too hungry or dehydrated can make you feel even worse, so try to eat small amounts of easily digestible foods.
If solid food is difficult for you, it is important to drink water at least.
If you are unable to take anything by mouth, one option is to provide nutrition through an intravenous drip.

Being hungry can make you feel sick, so in addition to eating smaller meals and increasing the frequency of your meals, you should also keep snackable foods nearby. You can eat whatever you want or feel comfortable eating, but to avoid consuming too many calories, it is best to limit the amount you eat at a time and chew your food thoroughly to help you feel full.

What should you do if you feel sleepy even during the day?

If you are at home or in an environment where you can rest whenever you like, it is best to take it easy and lie down according to your body's cues.
If you can't take a break while you're at work, try to change your mind by doing some light exercise, but if you're having a hard time, you may need to talk to those around you and consider working shorter hours or taking time off.

How should you deal with morning sickness that smells bad?

If you can't eat food because the smell makes you nauseous, you may want to try cooling it, as the smell often reduces. If the smell from cooking is too strong, one idea is to use bento boxes or side dishes.
You may also be concerned about the smell of detergents and cosmetics. Make your life as comfortable as possible by eliminating odor-causing odors from your living environment, such as by choosing fragrance-free products. Use a mask to deal with external odors that you cannot control.

Is there any medicine to prevent morning sickness?

If you are experiencing severe symptoms of morning sickness, you can go to the hospital and get a prescription for medication to suppress nausea, or you can receive medical treatment such as receiving an intravenous drip. Over-the-counter medicines should not be used at your own discretion, as they may have a negative effect on the fetus. Be sure to consult your gynecologist and receive a prescription.

What should I be careful about?

During morning sickness, dehydration is something you should be especially careful about.
During pregnancy, your body changes to a state where your blood tends to clot in preparation for childbirth. When morning sickness begins, you may not be able to eat or drink enough water and become dehydrated, making your blood more likely to become muddy. They also tend to exercise less, which increases the risk of blood clots. It can be life-threatening, so to avoid risks, make sure to drink plenty of water even when it's difficult to eat.
Also, although aromatherapy may be effective for changing your mood and relaxing, there are some aroma oils (essential oils) that should be avoided during early pregnancy, such as those that stimulate uterine contractions. When using it, listen to the advice of experts and use it safely.