Coping With Morning Sickness

One of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy is morning sickness. Morning sickness, while unpleasant, is a sign of a normal, healthy pregnancy. To help you cope with any morning sickness during your pregnancy, it’s good to know what to expect and which natural remedies are worth keeping on hand to help you feel better faster.

What Is Morning Sickness?
Typically occurring during the first few months of pregnancy (starting around the sixth week), the first thing to know about morning sickness is the name is a bit misleading. In fact, morning sickness can hit you at any time of the day. Morning sickness is caused by an increase in hormones during the first trimester of pregnancy and is a sign that the placenta, which is there to help nourish the fetus, is developing as it should. It’s a symptom approximately 70 percent of women will experience during their pregnancy so you should expect it.

This sudden onset of nausea and even vomiting can seem to come out of nowhere, but as your pregnancy progresses, you’ll begin to learn what things trigger it. Scents are most commonly linked to morning sickness, so you may find you lose your desire for certain foods, perfumes, lotions, etc.

Morning Sickness Remedies
In order to relieve the symptoms of morning sickness, there are some tried-and-true methods moms swear by. Here are some of the best:

  • Ginger — You can try candy or soda with ginger (the fizziness of the soda may also help calm the stomach) or add a piece of fresh ginger to some tea.
  • Peppermint — Peppermint tea can calm nausea.
  • Soda Crackers — Snack on these to keep something in your stomach. The saltier the better.
  • Essential Oils — Sniffing an essential oil with a bright, fresh scent like lemon or orange can provide relief.
  • Vitamin B6 — A stronger dose of vitamin B6 may be recommended by your doctor to help. Don’t increase your dosage of vitamin B6 beyond what’s in your prenatal vitamin without your doctor’s authorization and observation.
  • Accupressure and Accupuncture — These naturopathic treatments may provide additional relief when performed by a professional.

More Ways to Feel Better
In addition to the remedies mentioned above, there are some ways to alter your routine and your environment to keep morning sickness at bay to the best of your ability. Try these:

  • Eat small meals at regular intervals. Eat slowly to keep from overwhelming your digestive system.
  • Get as much rest as possible throughout the day.
  • Keep your home and office clean, changing the garbage frequently to avoid unpleasant odors.
  • Drink fluids all day to keep you hydrated.
    Stick to your exercise routine as much as possible. At least go for a walk each day.
  • Keep track of foods that make you feel sick and stick to those that don’t.
  • Make sure to take your daily prenatal vitamins.
  • Keep communication open with your partner so they can help you as needed.

Discuss your morning sickness with your doctor, especially if it’s seriously limiting your ability to eat and drink enough and get the rest your body needs. Serious morning sickness that requires medical attention, because it is totally debilitating, is known as hyperemesis gravidarum, but it is not very common. For normal morning sickness, do what you can to make yourself comfortable. It is an irritant, but rest assured, it will pass.