Morning Sickness Tips & Remedies
Around half of all pregnant women will experience some form of nausea and/or vomiting between the first 6 and 13 weeks of their pregnancy. It can come as a surprise to many newly pregnant women that morning sickness can occur not only in the morning, but at any time of the day.
Nausea in pregnancy is actually a good sign, as it shows that pregnancy hormone levels are high, allowing your pregnancy to “take hold”, and for your baby to develop and grow normally. However, some women are lucky and enjoy a nausea-free pregnancy.
There are many suggestions for easing the symptoms of morning sickness. Here are a few that you can try, keeping in mind that not all remedies will work for you:
Food & Drinks
- eat some dry biscuits or toast before getting out of bed in the morning
- eat small, frequent meals. Keep some food in your stomach and don’t go without due to nausea
- avoid rich, spicy, fatty and fried foods
- snack on crackers with nut butters or cheese
- ginger – fresh, as a tea, or supplement
- raspberry leaf tea
- peppermint tea
- mints
- soda water
- ginger beer
- ‘Preggie Pops’ – lollypops designed to assist with the symptoms of morning sickness
- sucking on iceblocks or ice cubes
- be sure to keep well hydrated, sip on iced water, lemon water or whatever you can manage
Supplements
- the homeopathic remedy Nux Vomica – from a qualified homeopath
- vitamin B6
- a morning sickness formula, from your natural therapist or health food store
General remedies
- seasickness bands
- try to stay cool, heat can increase nausea
- swimming
- don’t sit up or get out of bed too fast
- get enough sleep
- take naps during the day, if possible
- acupressure
Smells
- essential oils which can relieve nausea include lemon, lime or any other citrus fruit oil – carry a tissue/handkerchief with one of these oils so you can sniff it when a smell is bothering you
- have windows open and the exhaust fan on when cooking so that smells don’t become overpowering
Be sure to consult your health care provider if your vomiting is severe and you are unable to keep any food or drink down.
About the author
Briony Howland is a qualified nutritionist, massage therapist & doula (birth support companion) specialising in fertility, pregnancy, women’s and children’s health. She is also a Mum to three young children.
Briony has 7 years experience in the natural therapies industry and has attended many births as a doula. She has completed a Diploma of Nutrition, Certificate IV in Remedial Massage, Certificate in Pregnancy Massage, Certificate in Child & Infant Nutrition and her Doula Certification.
Briony runs the business, Birth in Balance and lives in the southern suburbs of Sydney with her husband and children. For her contact details visit her website www.birthinbalance.com.au.
Visit her website www.birthinbalance.com.au for further information on her services and a 10% discount is given to Yummy Bubby readers.
Read more from Briony Howland