Morning Sickness is one of the ways a woman’s body protects baby from the toxins in food. Toxins make everyone sick and pregnant women are much more sensitive, particularly in the first 10-12 weeks of pregnancy when the change in hormones is causing fluctuations in the entire endocrine system. Women that experience endocrine challenges are often more likely to have morning sickness.
Here’s another thought!
You have found out you are pregnant and cut out a bunch of foods and drinks that you might have on a regularly basis: An example would be coffee. The body will go thru a detox process while it eliminates these foods and drinks. So not only are you dealing with hormones you are going thru a mild to moderate detox. If your Liver function is very good then you might have a mild headache and be fine if not… Again to protect baby while your body rids itself of toxins the nausea can be more challenging.
The first 12 weeks are very important in early development when cell division is very rapid and by the end of 12 weeks your baby is fully formed.
In the first 4 weeks the amniotic sac is formed and the placenta also develops.
A primitive face takes form with large dark circles for eyes. The mouth, lower jaw, and throat are developing. Blood cells take shape, and circulation will begin.
During month two the neural tube (brain, spinal cord, and other neural tissue of the central nervous system) is well formed. The digestive tract and sensory organs begin to develop. Bone starts to replace cartilage.
By the end of the third month of pregnancy, your baby is fully formed. Your baby has arms, hands, fingers, feet, and toes and can open and close its fists and mouth. Fingernails and toenails are beginning to develop and the external ears are formed. The beginnings of teeth are forming.
Since your baby’s most critical development has taken place, your chance of miscarriage drops considerably after three months into the pregnancy.
A word about Food Cravings: They are mostly foods that are not good for mom and or baby… Before indulging ask yourself the question, “does my body want or need this or is it something else.” If you are craving things like ice or metals.. then that is another story and you should check in your practitioner.
Here are some of the other reasons there could be hormonal imbalances
Adrenal Stress: If the Adrenals are weak the changes that occur during the early stages of pregnancy can cause morning sickness. We have had good success in treating and supporting the Adrenal glands.
Stressors to the Adrenal Glands could be physical, emotional, or nutritional. What we mean is too little or too much in either one of these areas.
Other Hormonal challenges that could have an impact on morning sickness
PCOS, Blood Sugar Issues, Fibroids and a History of PMS etc, Not enough sleep, Thyroid challenges and Digestive issues.
What to do:
1. Keep blood sugar levels even. Choose high protein and low glycemic foods. Be careful with high carb snacks as they only compound the problem.
2. Take an adrenal supplement. Talk to your Holistic practitioner about what is best for you.
3. Eat small meals often and foods that are high in B6 content have been shown to be beneficial. Sunflower Seeds, Walnuts, Salmon, Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Bananas all have B6.
4. Ginger has also been shown to be beneficial to combat nausea as well as Cilantro, which is a natural chelator and digestive aid.
5. Take a Magnesium Supplement. Magnesium is important for many functions and most diets do have enough. Magnesium helps prevent cramps, miscarriage; supports nerve function and help the liver deal with excess hormones. Magnesium is also important as that it helps keep blood sugar stable.
If you are still struggling we suggest a consult with your holistic practitioner about other options.
If you struggled with morning sickness make a note to take extra care postpartum when hormones are once again in flux and adrenal stress is high due to lack of sleep, fears around being a new mom etc etc.
