Experts generally acknowledge the ineffectiveness of any one-size-fits-all remedies for morning sickness, yet certain foods, lifestyle changes and over-the-counter drugs may help. Bland foods like crackers, toast, pretzels and jello can be easy on the stomach while clear liquids such as water, broth and juice may provide relief.
Make use of acupressure wristbands which stimulate specific points on the wrist in order to relieve nausea, or consider seeking professional acupuncture assistance although research may vary on its effectiveness.
1. Ginger
Ginger has been proven to reduce nausea and vomiting among some pregnant women, whether taken in capsule form (only purchase those approved by the FDA), chewed fresh-grated ginger pieces, or taken as tea.
Avoid foods that can trigger nausea, such as fried or spicy foods. Instead, opt for blander options such as crackers, toast or applesauce as well as plenty of water or ginger tea. Some women have found relief through acupuncture; in which a trained practitioner inserts hair-thin needles directly into their skin for treatment – but more research must be conducted before we can be sure this method actually works.
If your nausea is severe and persistant, seek medical advice immediately. Dehydration could put both you and your unborn baby at risk; an IV drip may help deliver fluids and salts into you more quickly if vomiting persists; otherwise hospitalization may be required if symptoms become so intense you cannot keep food or liquid down.
2. Crackers
Crackers can be an excellent solution to morning sickness. Foods high in starch such as crackers, dry toast or salted chips absorb stomach acid and soothe an unsettled tummy. Consume several before rising from bed each morning to help prevent nausea and vomiting; try cinnamon raisin or plain flavor crackers for maximum effectiveness.
Crackers make an ideal between meal snack, and can be enjoyed any time of the day. Their low aroma and taste makes them more appetizing to an upset pregnant stomach; try spreading some nut butter onto them for added protein and nutrients!
If you are suffering from severe morning sickness (also known as hyperemesis gravidarum) which has led to dehydration and weight loss, consult with your physician about prescribing Zofran as it is safe for use during pregnancy. Other symptoms of HG include excessive vomiting, dehydration and loss of appetite – in this instance resting in bed may help along with avoiding foods which contain too many fats or spices.
3. Carbonated Drinks
Women experiencing nausea and vomiting during early gestation (hyperemesis gravidarum) often find that carbonated drinks help calm their stomachs while adding some flavor and excitement to their diets.
Bland starches that can be digested quickly are often effective at relieving nausea during pregnancy, including breads, rice and pasta. Protein-rich snacks such as crackers with peanut butter or cheese may also provide energy relief and ease symptoms.
Avoiding spicy or fatty foods may also help. Furthermore, if you tend to vomit frequently it’s essential that you drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated and prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Water, flat ginger ale and iced tea have proven useful to some pregnant women suffering from morning sickness. Acupressure wristbands (which apply light pressure to a point on the wrist known to reduce nausea and motion sickness) have also proven helpful. If these remedies and dietary changes don’t help enough, your doctor may suggest prescribing antiemetics which are safe during gestation for short-term relief of morning sickness symptoms.
4. Water
Though some women manage their pregnancies without experiencing nausea, many of us do. It’s thought that pregnancy hormones and an enhanced sense of smell contribute to our nausea; for some women particular scents (garbage and strong food aromas) make them queasy. Sniffing fresh, clean aromas could help – try carrying lemon extract or rosemary sprigs in your purse to combat nausea!
Bland starches like bread, pasta and rice are effective remedies for morning sickness; high-protein snacks like nut butter with crackers or yogurt mixed with fruit may also provide relief. Greasy or spicy foods as well as gas-producing vegetables such as cabbage should be avoided to reduce nausea during pregnancy.
Even though there’s no magic bullet for morning sickness, drinking plenty of fluids may help ease symptoms. Sips of flat lemonade, diluted juice or cordial may provide temporary relief; pregnant women may also benefit from sugary carbonated sodas like mineral waters or sugary carbonated sodas – although be wary not to overindulge. Supplementing water, smoothies or juice with Sparkling Mama’s Fizzelixir powder could reduce nausea.
5. Citrus Fruits
When nausea strikes, sour citrus scents may help soothe your stomach. Sniffing lemon drops or squeezing some into water may do just the trick; chew on a cold lemon wedge or even drink caffeine-free teas like Natalist Good Morning Tea with its zesty peppermint, sour raspberry, or tangerine flavors may do just the trick too. Preggie Pops come in handy too – try their peppermint, sour raspberry and tangerine versions.
Crackers, cereal and pretzels can help alleviate morning sickness by offering bland carb-rich snacks like crackers or cereal that won’t trigger nausea. Fatty or spicy foods could trigger your nausea. Try nibbling throughout the day rather than waiting until breakfast or lunch before having lunch and then dinner.
Attention is the key to identifying triggers of illness, like your co-worker’s midday popcorn habit or partner’s scented soap. An acupressure wristband such as Sea-Sickness Band may help alleviate seasickness symptoms as well as morning sickness. Acupuncture may also help, though always check with your OB-GYN first to make sure it’s safe for you.
