For many pregnant women, morning sickness is an all too frequent and uncomfortable side effect of pregnancy. Some statistics show that almost as many as 70% of moms-to-be experience some degree of nausea and vomiting. And, worse, it is not usually a “morning” only condition. Nausea can occur any time of day and be triggered by any number of factors including:
- Strong smells
- Fatigue
- Stress
- Empty stomach, low blood sugar and hunger
- Certain foods
The good news is that it usually ends towards the beginning of the second trimester. In the meantime, if you are one of many women who can’t keep things down, here are some suggestions to get you through this hopefully temporary period in your pregnancy.
Eat small, frequent snacks that are a good source of protein and complex carbohydrates. Cheese and crackers are an easy meal that will help balance blood sugar levels and help reduce nausea caused by an empty stomach.
Avoid oily, greasy and spicy foods. For many these can exacerbate nausea and vomiting.
Keep nutritious snacks in your purse if you are out and about. Nuts, seeds, raisins and grapes are easy to carry and can keep nausea at bay.
Stay hydrated. This is very important, especially if you are experiencing vomiting as well. Drink water with lemon squeezed into it, or any liquids that are easy on your tummy. Avoid coffee and soda, which contain caffeine and are dehydrating.
Tea, please. Ginger tea is one of the best natural aids to settle your stomach. Grate 1 tsp of ginger into 1 cup of boiling water and let steep for 10 minutes (max two cups per day). Chamomile tea also helps settle the stomach and reduces acidic feelings in your tummy. Sip on it throughout the day.
Acupressure points. Many women find relief from applying pressure to certain areas to the body. If your symptoms are severe, then an acupuncturist should be used. If you have mild symptoms, you may want to try a Sea-Band, which is a wrist band that works by applying pressure on a certain acupressure point on each wrist by means of a plastic stud.
