HEALTH TOPICS

In the first weeks of pregnancy, you may experience morning sickness. You might feel tired, sick and "turned off" by the smell of foods - at any time of day or night. It is often gone by the 16th week. No one knows the exact cause of morning sickness. It is likely due to hormones. If you throw up a few times, it will not hurt you or your baby. But if you lose more than 5 pounds or can't keep anything down for over 24 hours, call your doctor right away.

Here are some things that might help:

• Eat more food with protein. Milk, mild cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, ice cream, beans, and nuts are all rich in protein
• Eat a little bit at least every two to three hours
• Avoid fried, spicy, or rich food
• Don't eat meats that are hard to digest, such as beef or pork
• Avoid strong food smells. If the sight and smell of making meals makes you sick, ask others to help until you feel better
• Eat what "sounds good"
• Keep food such as nuts or crackers by your bed. Eat them before you get up
• Rest as much as yu can. If you are overtired, it may make you feel worse

Remember: If you can't keep anything down for more than 24 hours, call your doctor right away.

-Source: Utah Department of Health Maternal and Infant Health Program

Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, March 2017