Following the news that The Duchess of Cambridge is suffering from severe morning sickness, here are some of the UK's leading health experts to help shed light on this condition and give us their top tips on keeping morning sickness at bay
Parenting on Female First
In the first three months of pregnancy, more than 90 per cent of expectant mothers will suffer some level of morning sickness - which despite its name, doesn't occur only in the morning.
So what are the causes?
Nutritionist Russell Bouwman from The Nutri Centre, says: "Morning sickness is due to the changes in the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone which women experience early in pregnancy."
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of morning sickness don't just include nauseas and sickness. Women’s health expert and nutritionist Dr Marilyn Glenville PhD, says: "Symptoms can include cramps, heart-burn, cravings, intense hunger, a metallic taste in your mouth and feeling of weakness and tiredness.
"Morning sickness may also be related to the increased sensitivity to odours that pregnant women experience, which can trigger nausea. Unfortunately this is all just part of being pregnant, and your doctor won't be able to prescribe you anything to relieve the symptoms, which are usually confined to the first trimester of pregnancy.
"But its not all bad news, according to a study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in the USA, women who vomit during pregnancy are more likely to carry all the way to term and deliver healthier babies," she explains.
The Royal Sickness
Kate Middleton is suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum, an acute and potentially dangerous form of morning sickness. For most women, the symptoms of morning sickness are mild to moderate but for an unlucky few, (on average 1 in 50 expectant mothers), morning sickness occurs in its most severe form.
"If you suffer from this condition, you may vomit so much that you are unable to keep any food or drink down and hospitalization may be necessary in order to be intravenously fed fluids. This condition can also be dangerous for you and your baby, so if you're vomiting so much that you can't eat or drink, it's essential that you consult your doctor immediately," warns Marilyn.
Mother Nature to the Rescue
Here are 9 natural remedies to help you achieve a morning sickness-free 9 months
Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar is pH neutral, so it can help settle the stomach acid which causes nausea. Add 2 tsp of apple cider vinegar to a cup of warm water first thing in the morning to help keep nausea at bay’ advises Marilyn. Try Higher Nature's Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, £6.50.
Almonds - Almonds are a great source of protein and calcium, both of which can settle your stomach. Take Marilyn’s sickness-busting tip and soak 10 almonds (unroasted) over-night, peel off the skins in the morning before eating.
Water - Drinking water is essential to compensate for the fluids lost during vomiting. Marilyn suggests you ‘keep a pint of mineral water by your bed with the juice of half a lemon and a pinch of salt. The lemon juice makes the water more alkaline and this seems to settle he stomach.
Vitamin B6 - Some experts believe morning sickness is caused by high levels of oestrogen in the system. Marilyn explains ‘oestrogen can build up when the liver isn't efficiently flushing away the excess. Vitamin B6 can help clear away excess toxins by optimising liver function.’ BioCare's Vitamin B6 is a water soluble B vitamin which is yeast free and suitable for vegans. Biocare's Vitamin B6 is £8.80 for a 2 months supply.
Ginger - Ginger supplements have been proven to ease nausea by helping food to pass more rapidly through the digestive system, as well as reducing the stimulation to the part of the brain that prompts a burst of nausea or vomiting. Russell says: "Ginger can be helpful in preventing nausea and morning sickness, and research suggests that it can be effective. Ginger contains many active ingredients including phenols, which can improve gastroduodenal motility and reduce the sensations that cause nausea. Ginger can affect certain heart and blood medications, so speak to your GP if you are taking these." Russell recommends: Ginger People’s Ginger Chews Original, £1.55. Containing fresh ginger this is a handy remedy to keep in your handbag on the go or by your bed ready to take first thing in the morning.
BioCare’s Gingerdophilus (Ginger and Probiotic Combination), £20.40 for a months supply. This product combines powdered ginger with the benefit of probiotics, which can assist in digestive complaints as well as the nausea associated with morning sickness. 3 capsules provides 900mg of ginger which can be effective for short term use (4-5 days at a time).
Lemon therapy - Lemon juice can help to relieve nausea, even by just inhaling its fragrance. Cut a lemon in half and rub the juice on your hands, then hold your hands to your face and take a deep breath whenever you feel nauseous.’ advises Marilyn. To replenish fluids try Pukka's Lemon Green Tea, a light blend of smooth green tea with a subtle twist of Sicilian lemon and fragrant lemon verbana.
Homeopathy - Marilyn advises you take the most appropriate in a 30c potency, 4 times a day for 3 days:
Arsenicum - is best if you have a sense of constant nausea, some vomiting and if you feel exhausted or faint.
Ipecac - for morning sickness that isn't relieved by either vomiting or stress.
Nux vomica - if you feel nauseous, but better if you actually vomit.
Sepia - if you feel constantly nauseous, but a little better if you eat little and often.
Acupressure - One study showed a 60 per cent improvement in morning sickness in women who used acupressure. The acupressure point for nausea is at the base of your wrist, about 5cm fro the crease of your wrist on the inside of your rm. Press on this point for several seconds each time you feel nausea coming on. Alternatively you can buy acupressure bands to do this job for you.
Aromatherapy – Try putting a few drops each of rosewood and lavender essential oils onto a tissue or handkerchief and inhale during the day.
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