Symptoms:
Nausea and vomiting by the mother between the sixth and twelfth weeks of pregnancy.

Cause:
Although called morning sickness, it can occur at any time of the day. Morning sickness is caused by rising progesterone levels, and is quite normal.

Morning sickness is said to be a cleansing of the body, to prepare a clean environment in which the fetus can properly develop.

But about 1 woman in 200 experiences an abnormal amount of vomiting and severe nausea. This can result in acidosis, malnutrition, dehydration, and significant weight loss.

Possible causes of this abnormal condition include drug toxicity, vitamin deficiency (especially of B6), pancreatitis, bile duct disease, inflammatory bowel disorders.

It can also be caused by the production of high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin, which is a hormone. Cysts in the uterus or multiple pregnancy can be the cause.

Morning sickness generally does not continue beyond the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. If there is persistent vomiting or nausea later, consult with your health-care provider.

At its worst, morning sickness can degenerate into hyperemesis gravidarum. In this situation, the mother-to-be has far too much vomiting and nausea; is overly dehydrated; not urinating properly; and cannot keep food, water, and juice down for over a period of 4-6 hours.

This condition can lead to pulse irregularities, electrolyte imbalance, and even kidney and liver damage. Ketones produced, when stored fat is broken down, can damage neurological development in the fetus.

How to avoid this danger? Do not stop eating and drinking fluids, even though you feel nauseated and vomit.

Treatment:
• Because morning sickness is caused by rising progesterone levels, you need a complex carbohydrate (or possibly protein) snack upon awakening in the morning. This will relieve much of the nausea.

• Keep crackers or whole-wheat toast near your bed and eat some as soon as you arise in the morning. Pop them in your mouth, chew well, and swallow; then place your feet on the floor.

• It helps to keep some food in the stomach all day long. Eat small and frequent meals, but do not overeat. When needed, snack on whole-grain crackers, possibly with a little nut butter (but not peanut butter).

• Another method is to carry some raw almonds with you, wherever you go. Make sure they are not old and stale.

• Do not go without food or drink even though you feel nauseated and may vomit. You must continue to have both!

• Vitamin B6 and the entire B complex is important. Essential fatty acids and a complete line of nutritional supplements should be taken.

• Drink lots of fluids: water, fruit or vegetable juice, broth, or certain herbal teas.

• Avoid fried and fatty foods.

• Helpful herbs include dogwood, catnip, dandelion, mint, peppermint, and red raspberry leaf. Ginger is helpful in relieving nausea.