What Are the Causes of and Complications of Morning Sickness?
Scientists are yet to discover an exact cause of morning sickness during pregnancy. However, various studies have linked the increase in hormone levels during the first weeks of pregnancy to the condition. Decreased blood sugar level is another popular cause of morning sickness.
Other factors that may worsen morning sickness include:
- Frequent traveling
- Having twins or triplets
- Emotional stress
- Excessive fatigue [1]
The symptoms of morning sickness may differ between pregnancies. For example, you may experience severe morning sickness during one pregnancy and mild symptoms in future pregnancies.
The most common complication of morning sickness is loss of appetite, which is usually caused by the nausea and vomiting that accompanies the condition. Mild morning sickness is not harmful and will not have negative effects on the baby. However, it would help to contact your doctor if you experience morning sickness after the first 3-4 months of your pregnancy. You should also contact your doctor if you are not gaining weight during pregnancy, because it could be a sign of severe health conditions.
In most cases, morning sickness is usually not severe enough to stop fetal growth and development. Some pregnant women may experience severe vomiting and weight loss. The clinical term for the weight loss that accompanies morning sickness is known as hyperemesis gravidarum. It causes unprecedented weight loss and electrolyte fluctuation, which may eventually affect your baby if it is not treated.