Morning sickness is one of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy. It is estimated that more than 70% of women will experience some degree or another of morning sickness during their pregnancy. Morning sickness can happen at any time of the day, and it can range from a queasy feeling all the way to full-fledged vomiting.
One of the most frustrating things about morning sickness is that many of the prescription and over-the-counter medications that are used to combat an upset stomach are not particularly safe during pregnancy. In addition, these medications work differently for different people, and are not always effective. Some anti-nausea medications may also have side effects that aren’t particularly acceptable, either. For this reason, many women who have morning sickness have tried hypnosis to overcome their morning sickness.
Morning sickness is caused by a variety of factors. There are, of course, changing hormone levels. In addition, many women are more sensitive to odors and tastes during pregnancy. There is also a specifically psychological element to morning sickness; sometimes certain things can trigger a feeling of nausea while pregnant. Any number of irritants, from pain to tastes to anxieties to smells to motion can all contribute to morning sickness.
Hypnosis is used to help calm down the portions of the brain that trigger vomiting. Hypnosis has successfully been used among some cancer patients to combat the nausea that often accompanies chemotherapy treatments. While there is no guarantee that hypnosis can help you with your morning sickness, it has been effective for many people, and it may work for you as well.
If hypnosis does not help with your morning sickness, there are other alternatives you might explore. Many pregnant women use ginger or mint to soothe their morning sickness. Sometimes, taking vitamin B12 will help as well. There are a variety of herbs that may be useful, as well.
If you have chronic morning sickness, or if your morning sickness is accompanied by prolonged periods of vomiting, you should speak with your health care provider. It may be that your nausea is caused by something other than your pregnancy.
