Morning Sickness Myths and Facts

  • Morning sickness occurs only in the morning.

     

    A. Myth

     

    B. Fact

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is myth. Morning sickness got its name because it often occurs in the morning. However, nausea and vomiting that occurs with pregnancy can occur at any time of the day.

  • Morning sickness is very common.

     

    A. Myth

     

    B. Fact

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is fact. Most pregnant women have at least some nausea and about a third have vomiting.

  • Having morning sickness after your first three months means that something is wrong.

     

    A. Myth

     

    B. Fact

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is myth. Morning sickness often begins during the first month of pregnancy and continues through the 3rd or 4th month. Some women have nausea and vomiting through their entire pregnancy. Talk with your doctor about ways to manage morning sickness.

  • Morning sickness will harm your baby.

     

    A. True

     

    B. False

     

    C. Maybe

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is maybe. Morning sickness won't hurt your baby in any way unless you lose weight because of severe vomiting. Mild weight loss during the first trimester is not uncommon and is not harmful to the baby. Call your doctor if you can't keep any food down or you lose more than 2 pounds in one week.

  • If you have severe morning sickness with one pregnancy, you will have it with later pregnancies.

     

    A. Myth

     

    B. Fact

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is myth. You can have morning sickness with one pregnancy, and not have it during the next.

  • If you have severe morning sickness, you may be having twins or triplets.

     

    A. Myth

     

    B. Fact

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is fact. Nausea in pregnancy is more common and can be worse with twins or triplets. But remember, most women who have morning sickness are not carrying twins or triplets

  • Morning sickness can cause your body to not have as much water and fluids as it should.

     

    A. Myth

     

    B. Fact

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is true. This condition is called hyperemesis gravidarum. Vitamin B6 pills or medicine from your doctor may help. Or you may need to receive fluids through your vein (IV). Call your doctor right away if you have severe nausea and vomiting.

  • Which if the following can make morning sickness worse?

     

    A. Emotional stress

     

    B. Fatigue

     

    C. Traveling

     

    D. Some foods

     

    E. Certain smells

     

    F. All of the above

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is all of the above. Keeping a diary and writing down what you eat and how you feel may help you identify things that make you feel worse.

  • Which if the following can help reduce nausea?

     

    A. Eating a few soda crackers or dry toast before you get out of bed in the morning

     

    B. Eating a small snack at bedtime and when getting up to go to the bathroom at night

     

    C. Avoiding large meals

     

    D. Eating foods high in protein and avoiding foods high in fats and salt

     

    E. Using ginger products such as ginger tea, ginger candy, and ginger soda

     

    F. Any of the above

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is any of the above. Ginger has been shown to help ease nausea. Instead of large meals, snack as often as every 1 - 2 hours during the day and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid foods high in fat and salt, but low in nutrition.

  • You should call your doctor if you notice which of the following symptoms:

     

    A. Morning sickness does not improve, despite trying home remedies.

     

    B. Nausea and vomiting continue beyond your 4th month of pregnancy.

     

    C. You lose more than 2 pounds.

     

    D. You vomit more than 3 times per day or you cannot keep food or liquid down.

     

    E. Any of the above.

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is any of the above. Having morning sickness past your 4th month is often normal, but it's a good idea to get it checked out. You should call your doctor right away if you vomit blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.