Pregnancy is a remarkable journey, but it often comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the most common discomforts expectant mothers experience is morning sickness. Despite its misleading name, morning sickness can strike at any time of the day. However, the good news is that there are strategies and tips to help you cope with it. In this blog post, we’ll explore what morning sickness is, why it happens, and provide practical advice on how to deal with it during pregnancy.
For me, I’ve had severe morning sickness for most of my pregnancies and in one or 2 I’ve been diagnosed with HG (hyperemesis Graviderum) which is extreme vomiting and nausea, usually lasting much longer than the first trimester. Sometimes even if you try ALL of the remedies and ideas, you still feel lousy. In my 5th pregnancy, I’ve finally responded well to some medication. so I’m all for natural treatments, but when it comes to my mental health or simply needing to function and take care of my other kids, I am willing to take it. Something to consider 😉 Stay tuned to the end of the blogpost for the specific things I’ve tried, that MAY have helped.
Understanding Morning Sickness
Morning sickness, medically known as nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP), is a common condition that affects around 70-80% of pregnant women. It typically begins in the first trimester, around the 6th week of pregnancy, and may last until the end of the first trimester or sometimes even beyond.
Why Does Morning Sickness Happen?
The exact cause of morning sickness is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. Elevated levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen are thought to play a significant role. Other factors, such as a heightened sense of smell, stress, or an empty stomach, can also trigger or exacerbate morning sickness.
Tips for Coping with Morning Sickness
1. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can worsen nausea and vomiting. Sip on water throughout the day, and consider drinking ginger tea or clear broths to help with hydration.
2. Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of three large meals, opt for smaller, more frequent meals to keep your stomach from getting too empty or too full.
3. Ginger: Ginger has long been used to alleviate nausea. You can try ginger tea, ginger candies, or ginger capsules.
4. Acupressure Wristbands: Some women find relief from morning sickness by wearing acupressure wristbands, which apply gentle pressure to specific points on the wrist.
5. Acupuncture: Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese practice, involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Many pregnant women have reported relief from morning sickness through acupuncture sessions.
6. Avoid Triggers: Identify foods or smells that trigger your nausea and avoid them. Some common triggers include strong odors, spicy or greasy foods, and caffeine.
7. Prenatal Vitamins: If prenatal vitamins are contributing to your morning sickness, talk to your healthcare provider about alternative supplements or strategies to make them more tolerable.
8. Rest: Fatigue can exacerbate nausea, so make sure you get plenty of rest. If possible, take short naps during the day.
9. Fresh Air: Sometimes, a breath of fresh air can help relieve nausea. Go for a walk or sit outside for a while.
10. Mind-Body Techniques: Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and prenatal yoga can help reduce stress and ease nausea.
Additional Natural Treatment Options and Ideas
In addition to the strategies listed above, consider these additional natural treatment options and ideas to help you cope with morning sickness during pregnancy:
11. Lemon and Peppermint: The scent of lemon or peppermint can have a soothing effect. Try sniffing a lemon slice or placing a few drops of peppermint oil on a tissue to inhale.
12. Aromatherapy: Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and citrus scents can help calm nausea. Use a diffuser or add a few drops to a bowl of hot water to create a soothing atmosphere.
13. Bland Foods: Opt for plain, bland foods like crackers, plain rice, or plain toast. These can be easier on your stomach and help reduce nausea.
14. Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to your forehead or the back of your neck can provide comfort and help alleviate nausea.
15. Mint Tea: Peppermint or spearmint tea can help reduce nausea. Sip it slowly throughout the day, either hot or cold.
16. Sea-Bands: Sea-Bands are wristbands designed to help alleviate nausea. They apply pressure to specific acupressure points on your wrists and are available at most drugstores.
17. Sour Flavors: Some women find relief by consuming sour flavors like sour candies, lemon drops, or sour fruit candies.
18. Hydration Popsicles: Freeze clear fluids like water, herbal tea, or electrolyte drinks into popsicles. They can help you stay hydrated while soothing your throat.
19. Chilled Foods: Cold foods may be more tolerable than hot ones. Opt for chilled soups, yogurt, or fruit.
20. Keep a Diary: Tracking your symptoms, triggers, and patterns can help you identify what specifically worsens or alleviates your morning sickness.
21. Nutritional Support: Speak to a healthcare provider about supplementing your diet with vitamin B6 and ginger capsules, as they are known to help reduce nausea during pregnancy.
Some specific supplements I’ve tried that may have helped me!
Pink Stork Total Monolaurin Supplement for Gut Health
Enhanced Electrolyte Powder with B vitamins and magnesium
Papaya enzymes with every meal
