5 Ways to Relieve Morning Sickness During Pregnancy

Morning sickness during pregnancy can be one of the most uncomfortable physical changes your body goes through. It’s obvious that whoever named it “morning sickness” has never experienced it. Anyone who has had morning sickness during pregnancy understands that it can sometimes feel more like morning, noon, and night sickness.

As many as 90% of pregnant people have morning sickness at some point in their pregnancies, according to Dr. Michael Bradfield, a family medicine physician and obstetrician at North Colorado Family Medicine in Greeley, Colorado.

This ongoing nausea is frequently distinct from food poisoning, which can also present with additional symptoms like diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, bloating, and headaches.

Fortunately, sickness during pregnancy usually subsides after a while, and the reward at the end is a precious baby. Dr. Bradfield outlined the reasons of morning sickness and methods for treating it.

What causes morning sickness?

Many women may have nausea and vomiting in the first few months of pregnancy; morning sickness “usually occurs between 8 to 16 weeks of pregnancy,” according to Dr. Bradfield. After 16 to 20 weeks, the majority of women, but not all, are symptom-free.

Although the specific reason of morning sickness is unknown, scientists think that low blood sugar and soaring pregnant hormones may be to blame. Stress, extreme fatigue, certain foods, and travel (if you’re prone to motion sickness) are among factors that could aggravate it.

Although mild morning sickness won’t hurt you or your child, hyperemesis gravidarum, or extreme nausea and/or frequent vomiting, might have dangerous consequences. You can lose weight and become dehydrated as a result of this.

“If you’re having frequent vomiting, you should visit a doctor or head to the emergency department. They can determine whether you need to replenish your electrolytes and fluids, and they can prescribe medication to treat your nausea and vomiting, according to Dr. Bradfield.

Five ways you can prevent or relieve morning sickness

There are various treatments you can try at home to relieve nausea and vomiting if you’re having unpleasant symptoms. Here are five pieces of advice.

1. Eat smaller, more frequent meals

When you’re feeling queasy, eating may be the last thing on your mind, but an empty stomach might actually exacerbate your queasy feeling.

Dr. Bradfield advised eating small meals and snacks frequently rather than three larger ones. Eat bland, low-fat, and easily digestible foods. Pay attention to what foods tend to make you queasy because fatty, oily, and spicy foods can irritate your stomach.

Increasing your protein intake is also crucial. Yogurt, cheese, almonds, and eggs are all excellent choices.

After eating, avoid lying down as this can hinder digestion and make you feel queasy.

2. Stay hydrated

It’s crucial to stay hydrated while pregnant. While drinking a lot of water when you’re feeling sick may seem paradoxical, doing so benefits not only you but also the unborn child because it aids in the formation of the placenta and the amniotic sac.

Dr. Bradfield advised patients to “sip cool, clear liquids like ginger ale or sparkling flavored water.” Alternatively, try putting a slice of ginger in your hot water or decaf tea.

3. Avoid unpleasant smells

It doesn’t matter if it’s the smell of someone’s cologne or the sight of raw chicken, some smells can make you queasy and trigger your gag reflex. If you can’t leave or open a window, try inhaling the pleasant aromas of lemon, peppermint, ginger, or orange.

4. Take vitamin B6 and doxylamine succinate

Dr. Bradfield suggested a combination therapy of B6 (pyridoxine) and doxylamine succinate, an antihistamine similar to Unisom, or diphenhydramine, another antihistamine, as possible substitutes if you’re attempting to avoid prescription medicine.

According to studies, taking vitamin B6 and doxylamine for morning sickness significantly reduces nausea, according to Dr. Bradfield. They are low-risk, relatively affordable, and don’t need a prescription, but before taking anything, talk to your doctor.

5. Get plenty of rest

Sleep, meditation, and relaxation are essential during pregnancy because of the body’s numerous increased metabolic demands, according to Dr. Bradfield. “Fatigue and stress tend to make nausea worse.”

Try reclining down, keeping your eyes closed, and inhaling deeply. Before going to bed, take a warm bath to relax your body and mind. There are several authorized over-the-counter sleep aids available if you’re having difficulties sleeping, but before using any, consult your doctor.

Is there medical treatment for morning sickness?

A combination of stronger prescription morning sickness drugs may provide relief if at-home remedies and over-the-counter meds are ineffective. An antiemetic medication and/or an acid reflux blocker may be prescribed by your doctor. Consult your doctor to make sure the medication is a good fit for you as not all are safe to use while pregnant.

When to see your healthcare provider

Even though morning sickness can be extremely uncomfortable, pay attention to unexpected symptoms. Seek quick medical attention from your doctor if you think you have hyperemesis gravidarum or any of the symptoms listed below:

• inability to resist eating or drinking for 24 hours

• Loss of weight

• vomit that appears red, black, or like coffee grounds (a sign of blood in vomit)

• cramping or discomfort in the abdomen

• Fever

• difficulty urinating as a result of thirst