Natural Ways to Deal With Morning Sickness

Morning sickness occurs in most pregnancies throughout the first months when surges of hormones are rushing through the body. Some pregnant mothers-to-be have days where it is difficult to get out of bed, let alone make it to work and accomplish all of the tasks that must be completed throughout the day. What are some ways that we can deal with morning sickness and ease the symptoms – besides soda crackers and water, of course? This natural mother-to-be breakfast is popular with those dealing with morning sickness. Read on for natural methods that many find helpful in dealing with the nausea.

Having something in your tummy does wonders for morning sickness and many moms find it helpful to have healthy snacks close by. Eating can help the nausea, rather than hinder it. Some healthy snacks to keep in mind are; whole wheat crackers, breads, muffins and other grains as well as fruit, dried fruit, nuts and other healthy alternatives to sugar. Having these snacks accessible while on the go can stave those cravings as well – and help to reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes.
Some mothers have sworn on eating habits to improve the symptoms of morning sickness. Apparently, eating something salty before every meal can help to quell the nausea.

Avoid acidic or greasy food, which prompts nausea. These foods are not healthy to consume during the pregnancy and should be for the most part, avoided. There are many healthy alternatives that can be consumed like fruits, whole grains and substitutions like whole grain pastas, and breads.

Ginger has been known for centuries to provide relief to sickness, or digestive ailments and is one of the most effective natural measures to morning sickness, as well as the safest. Consuming ginger root as often as possible can decrease the effects while decreasing the severity of the nausea. Whether you choose to use ginger root, ginger supplements or ginger tea – consult your health professional first with any questions.

Eat the moment that you wake up because morning sickness symptoms are thought to be worse on an empty stomach, as contradictory as this may seem. Have your partner bring you snacks while in bed in the morning, or store snacks for easy access at the night table to be eaten as soon as you wake up.

Morning sickness comes at a time when the mother needs to be the most hydrated and therefore it is important that water be consumed to compensate for the water that is being lost through nausea and vomiting. If the mother becomes dehydrated it not only has adverse effects on her body, but on the body of the baby as well.

Small naps throughout the day have been known to ease the symptoms of morning sickness for those mothers experiencing all day nausea.
Although the mother-to-be may be experiencing large bouts of morning sickness, it is crucial that food be consumed, as they are going to contain all the vitamins and nutrients that mom, as well as baby requires throughout the pregnancy.

Pregnancy And Morning Sickness

The toughest bit of the 1st trimester of pregnancy is morning sickness and any woman who has gone through or is going through it, knows the first signs usually develop during the month following the first missed menstrual period, when hormone levels increase. It may range from mild, occasional nausea to sever, continuous, debilitating nausea with bouts of vomiting. In most cases, symptoms may be worse in morning, albeit they can strike day or night.
Despite all advances in medicine, there is no way of predicting how long your morning sickness will last even if you have suffered it before. Generally, nausea and vomiting last till about 12 - 13 weeks of pregnancy. However, some women continue to feel ill beyond their 22nd week as well.
However, some studies show that mild to moderate sickness is a sign of a good pregnancy, and less risk of miscarriage.
There is no simple treatment. The best course of action is home treatment. The following tips work wonders not only when you wake up feeling nauseous but also work when you get that queasy feeling during the day.
Changing what, when and how much you eat coupled with certain changes to the way foods cooked helps.
During morning or for that matter all day sickness, you may find that eating five or six small meals, rather than the usual three large ones, is easier on the body. Make sure each meal contains some protein and carbohydrate, like whole wheat bread with grated cheese and a slice of tomato, rice or wheat preparation with some easily digestible / light cereals, orange juice and a whole wheat biscuit. Be creative; choose low fat health foods you know will tempt your appetite. Aversions to food because of nausea are perfectly normal and understandable.
Try not to kiss mealsEat small, dry snacks.
Don’t jump up out of bed immediately. Lie quietly for a while and ask you husband to bring you a slice of fresh lemon or orange or a dry, bland biscuit.
Avoid large drinks, have frequent small one between meals.
Spicy, fried foods, and fatty foods like very rich sweets, are best avoided.
Avoid excessive consumption of pickles or chutney, which is rich in salt.
Don’t spend much time in the kitchen and avoid the strong smell of certain foods when shopping.
Prepare food when feeling least nauseous.
Taking lemon or orange juice in the morning and before meals relieves nausea of early pregnancy.
Suck an ice cube till the nausea passes off.
Sip on cool water.
However, if you have severe, persistent nausea and vomiting, see your doctor. This not so common complication of pregnancy can lead to dehydration and malnutrition, sometimes calling for prescribed medication and in some cases even hospitalization. Although drugs are best avoided in pregnancy, especially in the early months, there are some that have been in use for many years with no apparent danger to the developing baby.