While every pregnant woman is different, they will experience morning sickness at some point in their pregnancy. Those dreaded feelings often make women feel drained; it’s only normal for them to look for natural remedies for nausea during pregnancy.
The experts at ACE OBGYN know that morning sickness can be quite dominating in the early stages of pregnancy. Often, it can get so bad the women might feel they can’t get through the rest of the day. Trying to get help with pregnancy nausea is normal, as women shouldn’t bear this unpleasantness.
To help you find relief, we’ve created this comprehensive list of home remedies for morning sickness. Here, you will find natural remedies for nausea during pregnancy and oven over-the-counter products that can make the problems more manageable.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in, shall we?
Foods as Home Remedies for Morning Sickness
During pregnancy, hormones can do quite a number on a woman’s digestive system, but morning sickness symptoms may be lessened if mothers-to-be start their day by eating as soon as they wake up and opt for eating small meals frequently throughout the day.
Furthermore, some foods may also help with getting relief from nausea itself. As such, try and include them on your shopping list next time you go to the grocery store.
Ginger
This fragrant root is well-known in Chinese medicine and has a longstanding reputation for its ability to soothe the stomach. Ginger can be consumed in various forms, such as ginger soda or tea, ginger candies or cookies, or by enjoying a ginger lozenge or lollipop. However, it is important to consult your prenatal healthcare provider to determine the appropriate and safe amount of ginger for you, as it may not be recommended for certain individuals during pregnancy.
Mint
Consuming or chewing items with this refreshing flavor can contribute to a sense of relaxation and can help with pregnancy nausea. They can also serve as a means to mask unpleasant food odors that may cause stomach discomfort. As an added benefit, mint can freshen your breath, which can be particularly useful after experiencing morning sickness. Even simply smelling mint can provide a refreshing boost, so feel free to keep some mint lip balm handy or try using a rollerball containing diluted peppermint essential oil.
Sour Treats
When you ask what helps with morning sickness, sour treats might not be the first thing to come to mind, but in essence, they can pass as effective morning sickness remedies.
Sucking on dry candy or drinking lemon water can help you with stomach problems.
Saltines
Starchy crackers can settle a queasy stomach. These saltines absorb the acid that makes the stomach feel nauseous, and the salt they contain can help replenish lost electrolytes. On that note, bananas, toast, and applesauce may help with pregnancy nausea. Still, when going with these salty foods, remember to brush your teeth, as the carbs in these foods can amplify tooth decay. This is especially important for pregnant people.
Fluids
To prevent dehydration, you must increase your fluid intake if you experience frequent vomiting. Aim to consume at least ten full glasses of fluids each day, with each glass being 8 ounces or more in size.
If you find it challenging to consume enough water, you can try alternating between watermelon ice cubes, freezer pops, glasses of water, and ice chips. Italian ice or lemon slush can also contribute to your hydration. Additionally, sports beverages can help maintain balanced electrolyte levels.
To avoid feeling overly full, it is advisable to consume fluids only between meals, ideally 30 minutes before or after eating. This is because increased progesterone levels during pregnancy can slow down the digestion process. However, if you need to drink during meals, do so in small quantities.
Smoothies can be a valuable option when you’re unable to eat solid food. You can include nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables in your smoothies, which can help neutralize stomach acids and stabilize blood sugar levels.
Trail Mix
Fruits, nuts, and some chocolate chips may double as effective morning sickness remedies if you don’t feel like eating a full meal but want something to ease your stomach. Trail mix can help you satisfy your hunger as it’s rich in healthy fats and protein.
Natural Remedies for Nausea During Pregnancy
Changes to your diet can make a significant difference, but often, you might need a bit more. Sometimes, supplements and a bit of movement can give you the relief you’re looking for.
Exercise
We understand that engaging in strenuous exercise may not be appealing when you’re experiencing nausea. However, opting for a gentle walk can have remarkable benefits for your body. According to experts, even a 20-minute daily walk can trigger the release of endorphins, which can help combat fatigue and alleviate nausea.
Swimming in a cool environment might also provide temporary relief for your system. Use sunscreen to protect your skin and avoid hot tubs, as they may exacerbate your symptoms.
Vitamin B6
Upping your vitamin B6 intake can effectively reduce morning sickness symptoms. Aim for at least 25 milligrams of the compound thrice daily while taking your prenatal vitamins.
Acupuncture or Acupressure
Applying gentle pressure or using small needles to target specific nerve centers in the body can be highly effective in treating nausea. While there are specialists who specialize in these techniques, there are also options you can try at home.
For instance, sea bands are stretchy bracelets that exert pressure on a specific nerve in the wrist. They have been found to reduce nausea and vomiting significantly and are readily available at local drugstores.
You can also experiment with a simple acupressure technique on your own. Apply gentle but firm pressure with three fingertips on the base of your palm, just above the area where you would check your pulse on your wrist. Take deep breaths and maintain pressure on that spot for a minute or longer, gradually increasing the intensity until you experience slight discomfort. The sensation should resemble a mini-massage, providing relief.
Medicine
If the above home remedies for morning sickness fail to work, you can always opt for medication, especially in more severe cases. Many future parents believe these compounds may harm their baby, so it’s always wise to consult your doctor before taking anything.
OTC Morning Sickness Medicine
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Unisom (doxylamine) are commonly used for allergies and insomnia, but they can also alleviate nausea, particularly for morning sickness that occurs upon waking.
Over-the-counter antacids such as Tums (calcium carbonate) are effective against pregnancy-related acid reflux. If you experience acid reflux, it is advisable to avoid ginger and peppermint, as they may exacerbate the condition. Antacids also help minimize damage to the digestive tract caused by vomiting.
Prescription Options
In cases of intense morning sickness, your doctor might prescribe Zofran (ondansetron) or a similar compound. These can help stave off nausea so you can get your appetite back and get in the nutrients your body needs.
There’s Always Help Available
Morning sickness can be pretty overwhelming and may interfere with your everyday life. You don’t have to bear the discomfort. If you are looking for more expert tips and guidance, you can always schedule an appointment with our experts, who are more than ready to help.