Morning Sickness Remedies

Morning sickness plagues nearly 75% of pregnant women. While some women only remain mildly sick for six weeks during early pregnancy, others are violently ill for eight months. Researchers and doctors do not have one definitive answer to what causes morning sickness. Therefore, there are many suggested remedies. Each woman has to figure out for herself which of these morning sickness remedies might work and might help her to overcome this difficult period of time.

Rise and Shine

Morning sickness can continue all day, but it is usually the most intense in the morning. For this reason, make sure to go to bed on a full stomach. The acids in your stomach can become more irritating if your stomach is empty. Avoid eating foods that are high in carbohydrates, as they can cause a drop in blood sugar. Instead, eat high protein foods such as hard-boiled eggs, cheese and yogurt. Try to get enough sleep during the night, and have plain crackers by your bed at all times. If you wake in the middle of the night, nibble on a few crackers. Similarly, don’t rush to get out of bed in the morning. Lay in place for 15 minutes when you first get up, and have a few plain crackers or plain toast.

Smells

Smells can trigger morning sickness and it’s important to know which smells bother you. Avoid locations where you’ll encounter odors that bother you. Leave on a fan, or open the window in your kitchen while you are cooking. Cooking in the microwave often creates fewer odors, and might be better for you while you are sick. Common smells that often trigger nausea include meat, fish, chicken, greasy or fatty foods, coffee, onions, garlic and strong smelling spices.

Eating and Drinking

Eat when you feel you need to and what you feel will help you the most. Work with your cravings. Have frequent protein snacks and eat small meals every two hours or so. Sometimes, if you eat something salty before a meal, it can help you to stomach the meal better. Don’t drink fluids with your meals. Avoid greasy or spicy foods, as they cause heartburn and can cause nausea. Teas without caffeine, such as peppermint and ginger can help your nausea.

Other Ideas

Ginger can quell morning sickness. Medical studies have shown that ginger is really able to combat the problem. The natural ginger is better than processed. You can find it in tea, in ginger ale, ginger snaps, and ginger capsules. Sometimes, your prenatal vitamins may be causing the morning sickness. Try switching the time that you take them, or try switching to a different pill that is a low-iron or no-iron formula for the first trimester. Another idea is to try aromatherapy. Take some essential oils of peppermint or lavender and put them on a handkerchief. Put the handkerchief in a bag and carry it with you. When you feel yourself getting nauseous, hold the handkerchief over your nose and inhale a few times.

Remember, most importantly, that this will pass. Your body is going through many changes – wonderful changes. Although you feel awful now, you will get through this period and will have a wonderful baby to show for your pains!