Nausea and vomiting is a very common symptom of pregnancy, which is generally termed as morning sickness. You should not be perturbed by the name “morning sickness” as it is not only felt in the morning, but can be felt throughout the day that differs in intensity in different women. It is so common that nearly 80% women suffer from it and it becomes natural for a woman who does not experience it to think at least once during those days of pregnancy (especially if it is her very first pregnancy), whether it is bad if I do not get morning sickness. To further fret these women, a new study found women suffering from morning sickness have reduced chances of miscarriage. This news can make women without morning sickness dizzy and at the verge of a breakdown, fretting about the health and safety of their baby.
Is It Bad If I Don’t Get Morning Sickness?
Well, we will not pump up the suspense any further and reveal the overbearing truth that it is completely normal to not get morning sickness during the entire pregnancy. About 20% pregnant women do not experience it and yet deliver a healthy baby. Morning sickness has nothing to do with the health of a baby. The study reveals that although women having symptoms of morning sickness are less likely to miscarry, it never said that those without symptoms of nausea and vomiting have a higher chance of miscarriage. So, you can take a deep breath and relax.
Morning sickness is more likely hereditary and run in families and women carrying more than one child are more likely to have nausea and vomiting. Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is also considered a protective mechanism for intake of toxin free food and nutrition, in addition to elevated levels of hCG during the first trimester. The extent of morning sickness can be so varying that it definitely varies from one person to another and can also vary from one pregnancy to another in the same person. If you do not experience it in the first trimester then it does not mean you are exempted from having it later during pregnancy, you can still get it at a later time in your pregnancy. So, it you do not have that awful feeling of nausea and vomiting then it is perfectly fine and normal and there is nothing to worry about; you are not alone.
In any case, when you have any doubt regarding your pregnancy, instead of worrying and increasing your blood pressure, you can simply clarify with your obstetrician, who can best clear your doubt with both words as well as results. As long as your obstetrician has checked your ultrasound, hormone levels and other labs; and your child shows a strong and normal heart beat in the ultrasound, there is nothing to worry about. However, it is important for you to visit your doctor at regular appointments and follow all the instructions given by them, which includes taking those prescribed multivitamins and folic acid supplements. You should get yourself monitored regularly during pregnancy and get your child’s growth checked by an ultrasound at each visit. This should be enough to satisfy you that the fetus is growing at each appointment and there is no reason to worry about. You should be feeling blessed and content that you are one of those few lucky ones who do not have to suffer that awful and discomforting feeling of nausea and vomiting. Nevertheless, you should not be too airy about it as you may have to experience it the next time you think of getting pregnant. You are not immune to it, but just lucky enough to not feel it in the first place.
Regardless of nausea and vomiting or not, you should be well aware of the signs of miscarriage. If you had nausea and vomiting and suddenly it disappeared along with other signs such as heavy and consistent bleeding along with cramps should be symptoms enough to call your doctor.
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American Pregnancy Association. (2021). Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy. Retrieved from: https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/morning-sickness-during-pregnancy/
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Mayo Clinic. (2020). Morning Sickness: Symptoms and Causes. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/morning-sickness/symptoms-causes/syc-20375254
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American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). FAQ126: Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy. Retrieved from: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/morning-sickness-nausea-and-vomiting-of-pregnancy
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