A problem about morning sickness is caused by the sudden increases or changes in hormone levels due to pregnancy and usually goes away by the second trimester. By that time, the rapid changes have leveled out, and you’ve gotten more used to the changes.
While morning sickness is normal, severe, prolonged morning sickness is not. If you are unable to tolerate any fluids for 12 hours or are not urinating every few hours, you need to be seen by your doctor. Severe vomiting can lead to dehydration and, on occasion, hospitalization if not addressed early.
Morning sickness is caused by the sudden increases or changes in hormone levels.
Don’t wait until you’re hungry to eat. Carry snacks at all times and eat a little bit regularly. Dried fruit, restaurant packages of saltines, almonds and other nuts, rice cakes and baggies of dry cereal pack easily into pockets and purses. Additionally, before you go to bed in the evening, put at your bedside a few crackers or pretzels as well as a small glass of Sprite or 7UP. Set your alarm for 15 minutes earlier than usual. When rising, drink the Sprite (it should be flat!) and eat a few crackers or pretzels, then go back to sleep for 15 minutes. This should help decrease some of the early morning nausea.
Water is often the best remedy for nausea. Drink small amounts when eating and between meals to keep something in the stomach at all times. Stay away from high caffeine and carbonated drinks – caffeinated beverages can further irritate nausea. However, some women find carbonated water easier to keep down. Carry a water bottle and sip, sip, sip.
Ginger and mint – Grandma’s remedies – have stood the test of time. Both are available in tea, candy and capsule form. Ginger has the most robust flavor but is also the most effective. Red raspberry leaf tea has no proven qualities for preventing nausea, but many pregnant women swear by it. However, you should avoid other herbs that may have unknown side effects.
Eat simple foods rather than casseroles and tasty creations. Brown rice, whole grain, and cereals, vegetables and potatoes in their skins can help keep nausea and constipation in check – they are filling rather than fattening. Fresh fruit, dried beans, and peas are also good choices.
If possible, avoid food preparation – often just the smell of foods can stimulate nausea. Buying prepared foods or having a family member prepare foods is often helpful.
Bio-bands or “Sea Bands” (acupressure bracelets) help some women. They are available for $10 to $20 at your local drug store or scuba diving shops. These are elastic wristbands placed on the inner aspect of the wrist that apply gentle pressure and relieve nausea.
Consider seeing an acupuncturist. They are now acknowledged by the American Medical Association as an acceptable means of treatment for nausea in pregnancy and should be covered by your insurance.
Taking 50 mg of vitamin B6 one to four times a day can help alleviate nausea. (Do not exceed 200 mg.)
I hope some of these suggestions will help you. Keep in mind that everyone is different, and so what worked for me, your best friend or a co-worker may not help you, and vice versa. Experiment, and do remember that in most cases, nausea clears up early in the second trimester. Try to take it one day at a time, and know that this sickness will soon be only a memory – and far overshadowed by much more joyous events.