by Dr. Cheryl L. Schmitt
vitalchiro.com

One of the most frustrating, and sometimes even dangerous, issues during pregnancy is morning sickness. Approximately 2/3 of all pregnant women will experience morning sickness for at least a part of their pregnancy. Most common in the first trimester, morning sickness usually starts around 5-6 weeks gestation (sometimes earlier) and generally eases up around 12-14 weeks. However, some pregnant moms will experience morning sickness for much longer and perhaps for their entire pregnancy.

Morning sickness is caused by a few different factors. One reason for morning sickness is the dramatic rise in hormonal levels, especially estrogen. Estrogen levels can rise to 300 times the normal levels in non-pregnant females. At the same time the corpus luteum secretes high levels of the hormone HCG (human cortico gonadatrophin). These hormones must be filtered by the liver and the extra stress on the liver can increase the toxin load in the body. Another factor is the growth of the placenta which takes place between 1 to 15 weeks. When this happens, trophoblastic cells on the fertilized egg have begun to digest the endometrium, causing implantation within the lining and forming the placenta. These cells release toxins and debris which, again, the liver must detoxify.

Because of the stress placed on the liver during this time, it is imperative that we look at the function of the liver and optimize the neurological control of the liver. In chiropractic we can do this by analyzing the function of the nervous system through the movement of the spine and making sure the body is able to process the toxins optimally.

It is also a goal to address the input of other toxins that may put additional stress on the liver and educate the mom to reduce the load from diet or environmental toxins. To minimize the liver load from diet, we encourage the mom to eat a diet lower in some fats, sugar and dairy. And at the same time increase the intake of fresh, steamed vegetables, maintain protein levels, add B12 to her diet and eat small, light meals to allow easier digestion. If morning sickness is extreme, a diet of warm liquids, broths and soups will help in digestion and lessen the liver load. Some herbs such as ginger and peppermint can also be extremely helpful in lessening the symptoms of morning sickness.

With careful watch on diet, rest and hydration as well as including regular chiropractic care to optimize neurological function, morning sickness can be lessened and sometimes completely alleviated.

Dr. Cheryl Schmitt