Recognizing Morning Sickness Symptoms



Posted: Sunday, March 07, 2010

by Anthony S. Brown
http://www.pregnantmorningsickness.com

The early morning retching in the bathroom has long been recognized as a clear indication that someone was in a family way. This early symptom of morning sickness is universally recognized as Mother Nature's unambiguous announcement. Morning sickness usually starts in the fourth to sixth week and lasts for about ten weeks. The term morning sickness is a bit of a misnomer, as the symptoms of nausea and vomiting can occur at any time during the day. The actual symptoms experienced may differ for each mother-to-be, as each pregnant woman has a different response to the changes taking place in her body. Generally, however, the symptoms of nausea and vomiting are universal.

Those women who are not pregnant and, of course, men define morning sickness by the easily recognizable symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Mothers-to-be, on the other hand, experience a number of other symptoms that are publically unrecognizable, but personally discomforting such as mood swings, constipation, sensitivity to aromas, constant fatigue, backaches, food cravings, minor vaginal bleeding, abdominal cramps, darkening of the nipples, increased salivation, headaches, tender breasts, and frequent urination.

Bodily changes such as darkening nipples and food cravings have no accompanying discomfort, simply indicating bodily changes. Other symptoms can be quite discomforting and in some cases be severe enough to require medical attention.

Constant tiredness is another early sign of pregnancy. Apparently, the increase in progesterone production that occurs in early pregnancy causes fatigue. Other hormonal changes also cause recognizable changes such as swollen and tender breasts. The implantation of the egg on the uterine wall can cause minor vaginal bleeding, which usually stops during the first month of pregnancy.

Food cravings and aversion to certain foods are other universally recognized signs of pregnancy. Food craving is such a readily recognized part of the nausea and vomiting syndrome that it has become fodder for comedians poking fun at mothers-to-be. Certain aromas, that were previously acceptable, can bring on nausea during the early months of pregnancy. The smell of coffee, fried foods, perfumes, tobacco, and general cooking smells can cause a woman with morning sickness to vomit.

Headaches can be brought on by the increase in blood pressure that is caused by the hormonal changes in the body during the first 12 weeks. Changes in hormones, particularly the progesterone level, are believed to be the primary cause of constipation that is experienced by many women during the first trimester, as progesterone causes a slowdown in the digestive process.

When one looks at the entire list of possible symptoms that are associated with morning sickness, it seems to be a most formidable experience, but seldom does a woman experience all of the symptoms. Most women will experience only annoyance and mild discomfort during the period of morning sickness. A few, a rare minority, will experience no symptoms at all. For most mothers-to-be, the time for nausea and vomiting will pass by before the end of the first trimester of pregnancy. It will become a distant memory that is recognized as a rite of passage into the joys of motherhood.

For more great information go to: Symptoms of Morning Sickness

Anthony S. Brown has been researching pregnant morning sickness for years. For more great information go to:  Secrets To Relieving Pregnant Morning Sickness
 
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