While I was doing some research yesterday I came across this interesting heading. Reassuring news for morning sickness? The information came from a Cochrane Review so it made me sit up. Cochrane Reviews are Evidence Based articles which mean they’ve been independently researched and are not written for financial gain. In other words, they’re genuine.
According to the Cochrane review: “Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy could sometimes be a good sign” The review went on to say that: “Two studies involving over 3,200 pregnant women found they had a lower risk of miscarriage”
So what does this mean? Not that if you don’t have morning sickness you risk having a miscarriage, but that morning sickness is a reassuring sign that your pregnancy is progressing according to mother nature’s agenda and if you’ve skipped a period and your breasts feel ‘different’ your pregnancy test is sure to show two pink strips!
Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is common. Medicating it went horribly wrong in the ‘50’s when thalidomide caused a huge number of birth defects. While modern medications are said to be ‘safe’, baby’s organs and limbs are developing during the first trimester and chemicals, viruses and infections that managed to cross the placenta to the baby can cause serious malformations. Only in critical circumstances and under the guidance of an obstetrician should drugs be taken.
Morning sickness may help you to stay away from unhealthy habits – alcohol, nicotine and ‘recreational drugs’ that can harm your baby. Certain cheeses, fish and even chicken (the risk of salmonella poisoning) can be nature’s way of making sure you avoid these foods during the first trimester. Learning to overcome nausea naturally will make you stronger and help you to be more in tune with your body. In my book, that’s good preparation for what’s to come!
