It usually starts in the first month of pregnancy, peaks by second month and continues until the fourth month. Morning sickness usually ends by fourth month but may extend up to fifth month and some women may suffer intermittent episodes throughout their pregnancy.

Causes of morning sickness:

• Increase in hormones of pregnancy which also relaxes the stomach and intestines leading to excess stomach acid.

• Vitamin B-6 deficiency.

• An increase in sensitivity to odours which over- stimulate normal nausea triggers.

• Women who are psychologically prone to having nausea and vomiting during pregnancy as an abnormal response to stress.

• Morning sickness can only become a problem for your baby if you cannot keep any food or fluid down and begin to lose a lot of weight.

• Morning sickness is considered a good sign by many because it means the placenta and foetal membrane is developing well.

Tips for managing morning sickness:

• Avoid an empty stomach.

• Eat 5-6 small meals per day.

• Eat more carbohydrates

• Do not lie down after eating.

• Get plenty of rest and nap during the day.

• Avoid rich, fatty food.

• Take ginger in tea or ginger ale.

• Avoid warm places.

• Drink water or juice at least, 30-45minutes after eating solid food.

• Eat dry biscuit or rusk first thing in the morning.

• Avoid nausea-triggering food.

Contact your doctor in the following cases

• If you are experiencing excessive nausea and vomiting that prevents you from keeping any food down.

• If vomiting is accompanied by pain and fever.

• If excessive nausea and vomiting persists well into the fourth month.