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Causes of Morning Sickness
By Tasha
eHow Contributing Writer
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Causes of Morning Sickness
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It is common for pregnant women to experience morning sickness during the first trimester of pregnancy. Characterized by nausea coupled sometimes with vomiting and other unpleasant feelings, this condition should not be a cause of worry. Morning sickness, which is sometimes triggered by the sight, smell or taste of some kinds of food, protects embryos from factors that may be harmful. Women who experience this during the first few months of pregnancy are less susceptible to having miscarriages. The primary cause of morning sickness is not yet known, but many factors are theorized to be contributory to such a condition.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
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Human chorionic gonadotropin or hCG is one of the factors considered to cause morning sickness in pregnant women. Human chorionic gonadotropin is a glycoprotein hormone produced by the implantation of the embryo in the uterus. The level of this hormone increases until the woman reaches the 12th week of pregnancy. As the level of hCG increases, so does the of feeling of nausea and vomiting. In some women morning sickness is reduced or passes altogether after the 12th week, as the level of hCG also begins to decrease at this time.
Progesterone
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Progesterone, a hormone that is dominant during pregnancy, is also believed to be a contributory factor to morning sickness in pregnant women. This hormone provides a softening effect to the muscles in the body, including the muscles of the stomach and the intestines. It is also believed to help prevent preterm labor, as it likewise softens the muscles of the uterus. Because progesterone softens the digestive tract, thereby affecting its function, it is this hormone that is responsible for the slow elimination of bodily wastes during pregnancy, leading to the accumulation of excess acids in the stomach. As progesterone rises to a high level, the pregnant woman also begins to feel nauseous.
Hypoglycemia
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Another theory on the causes of morning sickness includes hypoglycemia or low blood sugar as a contributory factor. Pregnant women often suffer from hypoglycemia as a result of the placenta draining energy from the mother. This condition is believed to have a nauseating effect, as much of the mother-to-be energy is drained and consumed by the developing embryo.
eHow Article: Causes of Morning Sickness
