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Written by: Favour Francis | Reviewed by: Dr. Ortega Ogomigo
INTRODUCTION
Halimat keeps turning on the bed, sighing uncontrollably. The mattress feels uncomfortable tonight, or maybe it’s because she has already vomited three times in the past forty minutes. She turns to her side and sighs again.
Then, the faint scent of detergent from the just-washed pillowcase hits her nose, and she instantly rushes to the bathroom, throwing up into the sink. She washes her face and leans against the sink, fatigue weighing down her body.
This has been going on for weeks. It has drained her energy and made daily life a struggle. Halimat wonders how she will get through this morning sickness without harming her baby.
Her experience is just like that of many pregnant women in Nigeria, who face the same challenges of nausea, vomiting, and exhaustion during pregnancy.
What this article covers:
- Morning sickness: what is normal and what is not
- How to safely manage morning sickness in pregnancy
- Available medications to treat morning sickness
Morning Sickness in Pregnancy: What is Normal and What is Severe?
To start with, morning sickness is normal in pregnancy. In fact, about 3 in 4 pregnant women experience nausea, especially in the first trimester, and although it is called “morning” sickness, it can happen at any time of the day.
For many women, it may feel uncomfortable, but they are still able to eat, drink, and go about their daily activities. Often, symptoms improve after the first trimester, which is about 14 weeks.
However, morning sickness becomes severe when it goes beyond occasional nausea and starts affecting your ability to function. This condition is known as Hyperemesis gravidarum.
Severe morning sickness may involve:
- Frequent vomiting, like more than three times a day
- Difficulty keeping food or fluids down, whenever you try to eat or drink
- Weight loss
- Signs of dehydration, like dizziness or weakness, and less urine production
At this stage, it is no longer something to “manage at home” casually. It is advisable to consult a doctor to guide you on how to take proper care to protect both you and your baby. With how tiring pregnancy can be, we’ve seen, over time, how going to the hospital regularly can seem like a chore.
For this reason, it is clinically recommended to have an online health service for primary care and consultations. There are days when you would have some concerns about your pregnancy, and speaking to a doctor online could be really helpful.
How Can I Safely Manage Morning Sickness in Pregnancy?
Nausea is the most common symptom of morning sickness. For some women, it comes and goes. For others, it lingers throughout the day and makes even simple things like eating or drinking feel difficult.
While it is quite impossible to totally get rid of all nausea in pregnancy, as some women wish, symptoms can be managed and reduced significantly in ways that will not harm your baby.
Here are simple and safe ways that many pregnant women in Nigeria manage morning sickness:
- Eat small, frequent meals
Instead of forcing down large meals, try eating in small portions throughout the day. You can start your morning with something light like dry bread, crackers, or soaked garri (cassava flakes) before getting out of bed. An empty stomach often makes nausea worse.
2. Choose foods that are easy on your stomach
When you feel nauseous, go for simple, bland foods like:
- Pap (akamu/ogi)
- Plain rice
- Boiled yams or potatoes
- Bread or toast
Avoid overly spicy or oily soups when your nausea is bad, as they can trigger vomiting.
3. Stay hydrated
Vomiting can make you lose a lot of fluid. Try taking small sips of:
- Clean water
- Coconut water
- Light pap
- Oral rehydration solution (ORS), if available
Cold or slightly chilled drinks may be easier to tolerate.
4. Pay attention to smells and avoid triggers
Strong smells, from cooking, perfumes, or even detergents, can trigger nausea. If possible, stay in a well-ventilated space or ask someone else to handle cooking when the smell feels overwhelming.
5. Get enough rest
Your body is already doing a lot. Stress and tiredness can make nausea worse. Try to rest when you can, even if it’s for short periods during the day.
6. Try natural options like ginger (in small amounts)
Ginger can help reduce nausea for some women. You can try it as:
- Warm ginger tea
- A small piece of fresh ginger in hot water
Use it in moderation, and stop if it makes you uncomfortable.
7. Take your prenatal vitamins with food or at night
If your drugs make you feel more nauseous, try taking them after a meal or before bed. This can help reduce the effect.
8. Get fresh air when you can
Even stepping outside for a few minutes or sitting near an open window can help reduce that constant feeling of nausea.
What Are Some Available Medications to Treat Morning Sickness?
It’s not uncommon to see pregnant women come in for consultations already taking one or two medications recommended by a friend or relative who had similar symptoms during pregnancy.
It usually comes from a good place, someone trying to help, but this can be risky. Pregnancy is different for every woman, and what worked for someone else may not be safe or suitable for you.
That’s why it’s important to keep this in mind: you do not need to take any medication during pregnancy unless a doctor has recommended it for you.
In fact, for many women, simple changes in diet and daily routine are enough to manage morning sickness. Eating frequently in small portions throughout the day, staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and avoiding nausea triggers can go a long way in reducing symptoms without the need for drugs.
But when symptoms become severe, like constant vomiting or excessive spitting, it’s best to speak with a doctor early. These days, getting help doesn’t always mean going to the hospital physically. You can easily talk to a qualified doctor from home, explain your symptoms, and get the right guidance on what to do next.
If medication is needed, here are some options doctors may recommend:
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
This is usually the first option. It helps reduce nausea and is considered safe in pregnancy. Your doctor will decide the right dose for you.
Vitamin B6 + Doxylamine
If Vitamin B6 alone doesn’t help enough, your doctor may combine it with doxylamine. This combination is widely used and considered safe when prescribed.
Other anti-nausea medications (Antiemetics)
In more severe cases, doctors may prescribe medications such as:
- Metoclopramide
- Promethazine
- Ondansetron
These help control vomiting, especially when it starts affecting your ability to eat or drink. They should only be used under proper medical supervision.
Hospital treatment (for severe cases)
If you are unable to keep food or fluids down, your doctor may recommend hospital care. This can include IV fluids and medications given through injections to prevent dehydration and support your baby’s health.
Overall, remember that there is no one-size-fits-all medication for morning sickness. What your body needs will depend on your symptoms, and only a doctor can make that decision safely.
From the Desk of Koyo Doctors
Many pregnant women in Nigeria experience morning sickness, so you are not alone. And although it can feel overwhelming, it can be managed safely with the right care.
Try not to rely on advice from different people without proper guidance. What worked for someone else may not be right for you. Your body, your pregnancy, and your symptoms are unique.
If things are becoming too difficult, if you are vomiting often, struggling to eat or drink, or feeling weak, please speak to a doctor as early as you can. Getting help is the safest step you can take for both you and your baby.
We are here to guide you through it, every step of the way.
