Experiencing Nausea and Vomiting During the Night Instead of Morning

Some mothers experience nausea and vomiting not in the morning but at night - are you one of them?

Morning sickness, a common symptom during pregnancy, is often characterised by nausea and vomiting. Contrary to its name, this condition can occur at any time of day, not just in the morning.

During the third trimester, the growing baby might take up more space in the abdominal cavity, potentially affecting appetite. This, coupled with the rising levels of hormones like progesterone and hCG, is believed to contribute to morning sickness.

While morning sickness is not a reliable indicator of the sex of the baby, it can persist into the second trimester for some people and may even continue until the end of the third trimester for those dealing with hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness.

Hyperemesis gravidarum affects between 0.3% and 3% of pregnant women, causing uncontrollable vomiting, weight loss exceeding 5% of pre-pregnancy weight, dehydration, and electrolyte disturbances.

Strategies for managing morning sickness include adjusting eating habits, such as eating mini meals and avoiding strong-smelling or greasy foods. Identifying and avoiding triggers, using ginger, and practicing relaxation techniques can also be beneficial. Ginger capsules are considered potent for managing morning sickness during pregnancy, and large-scale studies suggest that ginger, in any form, is safe to take during pregnancy.

Lemon aromatherapy has been found to help calm an upset stomach during pregnancy, while warm water or herbal tea may be easier to drink than cold water for some pregnant people. Eating a quick snack before getting out of bed and before waking up to pee in the middle of the night can also help prevent morning sickness.

Pregnant individuals should aim to drink 8 to 12 cups of water per day to stay hydrated. Sports drinks can be a good option for hydration, as they contain added sodium and minerals.

If you're having trouble keeping any water down and are experiencing signs of dehydration, such as urinating little or not at all, dark-colored urine, inability to keep food or liquids down, weight loss, dizziness or fainting when standing up, heart racing or pounding, or morning sickness interfering with everyday activities, you may need to go to the hospital to get fluids through an IV.

Almost every pregnant person will experience some degree of morning sickness at some point. Morning sickness tends to start during the first trimester, between weeks 4 and 6, and peaks during the second half of the first trimester, between weeks 8 and 12.

It's essential to consult with your OB/GYN or midwife if you have concerns about morning sickness or if it becomes severe, as it can lead to dehydration, which can be harmful to both the mother and baby.