Between 75 and 90 percent of pregnant women will suffer from pregnancy-induced nausea. While so common, it is often thought of as a joke or quip in a cartoon; it can be really upsetting when it happens to you. Caused by changes in hormones, this condition can range from mildly annoying to significantly life-altering. If your symptoms prevent normal activity or regular consumption of food and water, you should contact your caregiver for help. If your symptoms are less severe, you might find relief in at-home remedies that are tried and true and safer for early pregnancy.
Here are some things you can try to decrease your vomit-inducing notions and trips to the bathroom.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep your stomach from feeling empty
- Snack on small amounts of bland food (crackers or bread) first thing in the morning or when feelings of sickness ensue
- Snacks on small portions that include protein to keep you feeling full longer
- Avoid prenatal vitamins on an empty stomach or take them during times when you don't feel ill
- Try ginger-based snacks or flat room temperature ginger ale
- With your doctor's consent, try 25 mg of vitamin B6 3 times a day
- Try citrus-based options like lemon drops, lemon tea, or adding lemon to your water or citrus rind to your tea
- Get to noshing on some ginger drops, peppermint gum, ginger gum, Anise, or fennel seeds
- Invest in some acupressure wristbands or give professional acupuncture a try
- Exercise regularly
- Brush your teeth frequently
- Avoid fried or fatty food that could cause stomach upset
- Herbal teas can potentially offer relief; try Ginger, Peppermint, Spearmint, Chamomile, or Red Raspberry-Leaf
- Frozen fruit bars or Gatorade ice cubes can keep your mouth busy, your tummy settled, and your body hydrated
- Sucking on hard candy can bring relief as well, crystallized ginger, peppermints, and Jolly Ranchers are popular
- The Old Vermont Cure of 1 tbsp pure apple cider vinegar, 8 ounces of filtered water, and 1 tbsp pure honey
If your nausea is combined with heartburn, you can also try an antacid or if the at-home cures don't help, check with your doctor about prescription medications (Zofran, Reglan, Phenergan, Compazine) that might bring some relief.
Reference Sources
- Mind Body Green - 30 Natural Remedies For Morning Sickness
- WebMD - Morning Sickness
- American Pregnancy Association - Morning Sickness Relief: Treatment And Supplements
