Pregnancy https://mfcfamily.com/ is a time of incredible change in a woman’s body, and with it comes a host of new sensations, sensitivities, and sometimes, discomforts. One surprising change some women experience is an increased sensitivity to motion — whether it’s riding in a car, flying on a plane, or even taking a boat ride. If you’ve noticed you feel more queasy in these situations than you did before pregnancy, you’re not imagining it. Pregnancy can indeed make you more susceptible to motion sickness.
Why Does Pregnancy Increase Motion Sickness?
There are a few key reasons why motion sickness may become more intense or more frequent during pregnancy:
1. Heightened Hormones
In early pregnancy, levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone rise significantly. These hormones slow down digestion and can increase nausea, which may amplify your body’s response to motion. This is especially true during the first trimester, when many women already deal with morning sickness.
2. Increased Sensory Sensitivity
Pregnancy https://mfcfamily.com/ heightens your sense of smell, taste, and even motion perception. The inner ear, which plays a big role in balance and spatial orientation, may become more sensitive to movement. This can make your body more reactive to motion, leading to that dizzy, nauseous feeling even on short trips.
3. Blood Pressure Fluctuations
Pregnancy can affect your blood pressure, causing it to be lower in early pregnancy and sometimes higher in later trimesters. These fluctuations may cause lightheadedness or dizziness, both of which can contribute to motion sickness symptoms.
Tips to Manage Motion Sickness During Pregnancy
If you find yourself struggling with motion sickness more than usual, there are a few safe ways to manage it during pregnancy:
- Sit in the front seat of the car or as close to the wings as possible on a plane for less motion.
- Focus on a stable point in the distance while traveling.
- Use acupressure bands (often used for sea sickness) which are drug-free and pregnancy-safe.
- Snack lightly before travel – an empty stomach can worsen nausea, but heavy meals might do the same.
- Stay hydrated – sipping water or ginger tea can help soothe your stomach.
- Ask your doctor about safe medications – some anti-nausea medications or natural remedies may be appropriate during pregnancy.
When to Be Concerned
If your nausea becomes constant or interferes with eating and drinking, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider https://mfcfamily.com/. Persistent vomiting could be a sign of hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness that requires medical attention.
Pregnancy https://mfcfamily.com/ can make your body more sensitive in many ways — and motion sickness is no exception. While this can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to travel or simply get through your daily commute, the good news is that it’s usually temporary. With some small adjustments and a little planning, you can often manage these symptoms and stay as comfortable as possible during your pregnancy journey.