Final answer:
To alleviate morning sickness early in the first trimester, it is often recommended to eat dry crackers before rising. Foods with high fat content are not recommended, while rest and prescribed antiemetics can be considered with medical guidance. By week 12, the nausea typically subsides due to adjustments in hormone levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early in the first trimester, a woman may complain of morning sickness. Among the suggestions a nurse might make to alleviate these symptoms, eating dry crackers before getting up is a commonly recommended approach. It is generally advised that these be consumed prior to rising to help settle the stomach and reduce nausea, which is often due to increased sensitivity to odors and the presence of pregnancy-related hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and hCG. High fat foods might be harder to digest and are not usually recommended for nausea relief. Eating three well-balanced meals can help maintain overall health during pregnancy, but may not directly alleviate morning sickness. Rest and antiemetics can also help, but antiemetics should be taken under medical supervision to ensure they are safe for the developing fetus.
Decreased intestinal peristalsis contributes to the nausea experienced in early pregnancy and is typically alleviated around week 12. The first trimester can also include symptoms such as a tender nipple area and increased urination, alongside symptoms such as a missed menstrual period and changes in appetite.