While every pregnancy is rare, most women will experience nausea at some stage. These undesirable feelings often leave them feeling weak, prompting a search for natural remedies for morning sickness.
Experts understand that nausea can be specifically extreme in the early stages of gestation. It can become so serious that some women may feel unable to get through their day.
Looking for help for pregnancy-related morning sickness is perfectly natural; no one should have to go through this displeasure alone.
Foods as Home Remedies for Morning Sickness
Hormonal changes during gestation can essentially influence the digestive system, but nausea manifestations might be relieved if anticipated mothers eat right after waking and choose small, regular meals throughout the day.
Certain foods can also help alleviate nausea.
Ginger
Renowned in Chinese medicine for its stomach-calming properties, ginger can be ingested as soda, tea, candies, cookies, or lozenges. However, ask your prenatal healthcare provider to identify the safe amount for you, as it may not apply to everyone during gestation.
Mint
Chewing or consuming items with mint flavor can enhance resting and comfort in morning sickness. Mint can also mask bad food odors and freshen breath, which is beneficial after encountering nausea. Even smelling mint can be rejuvenating, so consider keeping mint lip balm or diluted peppermint essential oil handy.
Sour Treats
Although they might not be the first remedy that comes to mind, sour treats like dry candy or lemon water can effectively reduce stomach discomfort.
Saltines
Starchy crackers like saltines can settle a fidgety stomach by absorbing stomach acid and restoring electrolytes. Other foods like bananas, toast, and applesauce can also aid with pregnancy morning sickness. Remember to brush your teeth after eating these starchy foods to avoid tooth decay, which is especially essential during pregnancy.
Fluids
To avoid dehydration, increase fluid intake if regularly vomiting. Aim for at least ten 8-ounce glasses of fluids daily. If drinking enough water is challenging, try alternating between watermelon ice cubes, freezer pops, water, and ice chips.
Italian ice or lemon slush can also help with hydration. Sports beverages are beneficial for maintaining electrolyte balance.
To avoid feeling overly full, consume fluids between meals, ideally 30 minutes before or after eating, as increased progesterone levels during pregnancy can slow digestion. If you need to drink during meals, do so in small amounts.
Smoothies are a good choice when solid food is disgusting. They can include nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables that help counteract stomach acids and maintain blood sugar levels.
Trail Mix
A mix of fruits, nuts, and some chocolate chips can be an appropriate and nutritious snack that calms nausea and gives healthy fats and protein.
Natural Remedies for Nausea During Pregnancy
Dietary changes can make an important change but added measures like supplements and gentle exercise may give further relaxation.
Exercise
While strenuous exercise may be unappealing when you're nauseous, a gentle walk can release endorphins that combat fatigue and alleviate nausea.
Swimming in a cool environment might also offer temporary relief. Remember to use sunscreen and avoid hot tubs, as they can worsen symptoms.
Vitamin B6
Rising your vitamin B6 consumption can lessen morning sickness symptoms. Desire for at least 25 milligrams three times daily in addition to prenatal vitamins.
Acupuncture or Acupressure
Gentle pressure or small needles targeting particular nerve centers can be efficient in treating nausea. Sea bands, which exercise pressure on a nerve in the wrist, are accessible at drugstores and can essentially lessen morning sickness and vomiting.
You can also try acupressure at home by exercising firm pressure with three fingertips on the base of your palm, just above where you check your pulse, for a minute or longer.
Medicine
If home remedies are lacking, treatment may be needed, especially in serious cases. Always ask your doctor before taking any medication during gestation.
OTC Morning Sickness Medicine
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Unisom (doxylamine) can lessen nausea, specifically nausea that happens upon waking. Over-the-counter antacids like Tums (calcium carbonate) are efficient against gestation-related acid reflux but refrain from ginger and peppermint if you have reflux as they can worsen it.
Prescription Options
For serious nausea, your doctor might prescribe Zofran (ondansetron) or related medications to lessen nausea and help you get back your cravings.
Nausea can be overpowering and disturb daily life, but you don't have to face it alone.
