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Pregnancy is an exciting and transformative time in a woman's life, but it can also come with its fair share of discomforts. One of the most common symptoms experienced by pregnant women is morning sickness, but what about evening sickness? While it may not be as well-known, evening sickness is a real and often frustrating symptom that can leave women feeling drained and nauseous.
In this blog, we will explore everything you need to know about evening sickness during pregnancy, including its causes, symptoms, and tips for managing it effectively. Moreover, Pink Orchid offers prenatal & postnatal massages for women in the comfort of their homes.
Table Of Contents
Is Evening Sickness Real During Pregnancy?
Many women experience morning sickness during pregnancy, which is characterized by nausea and vomiting, usually in the morning. However, some women may also experience a similar sensation in the evening, known as evening sickness.
Evening sickness is real and can be just as uncomfortable and disruptive as morning sickness. It is estimated that up to 80% of pregnant women experience some form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, and for some women, this can occur at any time of the day, including in the evening.
While it can be challenging to manage, there are several strategies that pregnant women can use to alleviate their symptoms, and seeking medical advice is important if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Causes Of Evening Sickness In Pregnancy
Evening sickness is a type of nausea that occurs specifically in the evening during pregnancy. The causes of evening sickness are similar to those of morning sickness, which is characterized by nausea and vomiting, usually in the morning. The exact cause of morning and evening sickness is not fully understood, but several factors are believed to play a role.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy, particularly the increase in levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), are believed to be a contributing factor to both morning and evening sickness. Additionally, the increase in levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy can also contribute to nausea and vomiting.
The timing of food intake may also play a role in evening sickness. Pregnant women may be more likely to experience nausea in the evening if they have not eaten enough throughout the day or if they have gone too long without eating. Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day can help keep blood sugar levels stable and reduce the likelihood of nausea and vomiting.
Certain foods and smells may also trigger nausea and vomiting in pregnant women, including strong-smelling foods, fried or fatty foods, and spicy foods. Some women may also experience evening sickness due to the smell or taste of their prenatal vitamins.
Stress and fatigue can also contribute to nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, including in the evening. Pregnant women who are experiencing high levels of stress or fatigue may be more likely to experience evening sickness.
In rare cases, evening sickness may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as preeclampsia or hyperemesis gravidarum. These conditions require medical attention and treatment.
Symptoms Of Evening Sickness
While the symptoms of evening sickness are similar to those of morning sickness, there are some specific symptoms that women may experience in the evening.
The primary symptom of evening sickness is nausea, which may be accompanied by vomiting in some cases. Women may feel a sensation of queasiness or an urge to vomit, which may be mild or severe. This can be particularly uncomfortable in the evening when women may be more tired or fatigued. In addition to nausea, women may also experience other symptoms of evening sickness, including:
Loss Of Appetite: Women may feel less hungry in the evening and may have difficulty eating a full meal.
Fatigue: Feeling more tired or exhausted than usual can be a common symptom of evening sickness.
Dizziness: Women may experience dizziness or lightheadedness, particularly when standing up quickly.
Headaches: Headaches can be a common symptom of evening sickness, particularly if the woman is dehydrated or has low blood sugar levels.
Mood Changes: Women may experience mood changes, such as irritability or sadness, as a result of evening sickness.
It's important to note that not all women will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity of the symptoms can vary from woman to woman. Additionally, the symptoms of evening sickness may come and go throughout the pregnancy.
How Evening Sickness Differs From Morning Sickness?
Morning sickness and evening sickness are both common symptoms of pregnancy, but they differ in some ways. Morning sickness is characterized by nausea and vomiting that typically occurs in the morning or during the day, while evening sickness refers to nausea and vomiting that specifically occurs in the evening or at night.
Morning sickness is a more common symptom and tends to occur in the first trimester of pregnancy, while evening sickness may occur throughout the pregnancy but is more common in the second and third trimesters. Additionally, morning sickness may be more severe than evening sickness in some cases.
Tips To Overcome Evening Sickness
Evening sickness, like morning sickness, can be a challenging symptom to deal with during pregnancy. If you're experiencing nausea and vomiting in the evening or at night, there are several things you can do to try to manage and overcome this discomfort. Here are some tips to help you feel better:
1. Eat Small, Frequent Meals
Eating several small meals throughout the day, rather than three large meals, can help keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent nausea. Try to avoid eating large meals in the evening, as this can increase your discomfort.
2. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent dehydration, which can worsen nausea. Sip water, herbal tea, or clear broths throughout the day, and avoid sugary or caffeinated beverages that can irritate your stomach.
3. Get Enough Rest
Fatigue can contribute to feelings of nausea, so it's important to prioritize rest and relaxation. Aim to get enough sleep each night, and take short naps during the day if you can.
4. Avoid Triggers
Certain smells, foods, and activities can trigger nausea. Pay attention to what seems to make your symptoms worse, and avoid these triggers as much as possible.
5. Try Ginger
Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce nausea. Sip ginger tea, suck on ginger candies, or take ginger supplements to see if this helps ease your symptoms.
6. Acupressure
Acupressure is an alternative therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to relieve symptoms. You can try using wristbands that apply pressure to the P6 acupressure point, which is thought to help reduce nausea.
7. Medications
In some cases, medications may be necessary to manage severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about safe options, as some medications may not be recommended during pregnancy.
Keep in mind that each pregnancy is unique, and what may be effective for one woman may not necessarily be effective for another. Be patient with yourself and don't be afraid to experiment with different strategies to find what helps you feel better. If your symptoms persist or worsen, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider for additional guidance and support.
Here’s When To Call Your Doctor
Evening sickness during pregnancy is a common experience for many women, but it's important to know when to seek medical attention. While mild symptoms such as nausea and vomiting are normal during pregnancy, there are certain signs and symptoms that warrant a call to your doctor.
One of the most important signs to watch for is dehydration. If you're experiencing frequent vomiting or are unable to keep fluids down, you may become dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include dark urine, dry mouth, and dizziness. It's important to contact your doctor if you're experiencing these symptoms, as dehydration can be dangerous for you and your baby.
Another reason to call your doctor is if you're experiencing severe or persistent vomiting. While occasional vomiting is normal during pregnancy, frequent or persistent vomiting can be a sign of a more serious problem. Your doctor can help determine the underlying cause and provide treatment to help you feel better.
Finally, if you're experiencing severe abdominal pain or cramping, it's important to seek medical attention right away.
Does Morning Sickness At Night Predict Your Baby’s Gender?
Morning sickness is a common symptom experienced by many pregnant women, but does it really predict your baby's gender if you experience it at night? The answer is no - there is no scientific evidence to suggest that the timing of your morning sickness is related to your baby's gender.
While some people believe that experiencing morning sickness at night may indicate that you're carrying a girl and that experiencing it in the morning means you're carrying a boy, there is no scientific basis for this belief. The truth is that the timing of your morning sickness is likely due to individual differences in hormone levels and the way your body responds to these changes.
FAQs
1. How Long Does Evening Sickness Last In Pregnancy?
Evening sickness typically lasts throughout the first trimester of pregnancy but may continue into the second trimester or third for some women.
2. Is Evening Sickness Normal During Pregnancy?
Yes, evening sickness is a normal symptom experienced by some pregnant women and is generally similar to morning sickness in terms of its causes and symptoms.
3. What Helps Evening Sickness During Pregnancy?
To help alleviate evening sickness during pregnancy, some tips include eating small, frequent meals throughout the day, staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and trying natural remedies such as ginger or acupressure.
Takeaway
Evening sickness during pregnancy can be a challenging and uncomfortable experience for many women. It can be frustrating to deal with, particularly if it lasts throughout the pregnancy. However, it's important to remember that there are ways to manage the symptoms and make the experience more manageable.
Moreover, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms. They can help determine the cause of your nausea and provide you with strategies for managing it. With the right support and care, you can get through this difficult time and focus on preparing for the arrival of your little one. Remember, pregnancy can be a challenging journey, but with the right guidance and resources, you can make it through and come out on the other side feeling stronger and more empowered than ever before.