Discuss ways to treat morning sickness during pregnancy.

The term "morning sickness", or nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP), is increasingly gaining recognition as a legitimate and potentially serious medical condition. Morning sickness describes a condition characterized by varying degrees of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, most commonly in the first trimester. It can begin at any time of the day, and about 80% of pregnant women with NVP report that it lasts all day. More than half of all pregnant women experience morning sickness, and some have it with one pregnancy but not with another. It usually begins shortly after the first missed period and abates by week 12 to 16, but a small number of women experience it throughout the pregnancy. Except in severe cases, the mother and fetus do not suffer lasting harm. However, some women experience such frequent vomiting that they are unable to nourish or hydrate themselves or their fetus adequately, and thus they require hospitalization.

There are no cures for morning sickness, but there are some practical ways to reduce the severity:

•   Eat lightly throughout the day. An empty stomach can trigger nausea, so eating small, frequent meals and snacks is usually helpful. Protein and complex carbohydrates seem helpful in combating the nausea.
•   Some women find it helpful to keep snacks at their bedside to ease night-time queasiness. A small snack in the morning before rising in the morning helps some women, as does rising slowly from bed.
•   Taking a prenatal supplement ensures that at least some vitamins and minerals are being absorbed. Obviously, the supplement should be taken at a time of day when vomiting is not likely.
•   Women should also drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration from vomiting.
•   Women should avoid sights, sounds, smells, and tastes that bring on or exacerbate queasiness.
•   For some women, alternative therapies such as acupuncture, acupressure wristbands, biofeedback, meditations, and hypnosis, help. Raspberry tea soothes nausea in some women. Ginger tea may also be helpful but should be consumed in moderation. Women should check with their health care provider regarding alternative therapies to ensure that the therapy they are using is safe and does not interact with other medications, supplements, or health considerations.
•   Decrease stress and get some rest and relaxation time, if possible.