How to Survive Morning Sickness
"Morning Sickness" is rather a misnomer, since it can strike at any time of day or night. More appropriately known as "Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy", it's a common problem for pregnant women. Hopefully, the following tips will help you get some much-needed relief!
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Things You'll Need
- Natural Peppermint or Ginger
- Motion Sickness Wristbands
- Soda Crackers
- B Vitamins
- OB or Midwife
Instructions
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First, try to keep something in your stomach at all times. This may be difficult to do with frequent vomiting, but you have to eat small amounts as frequently as possible. Your first instinct may be to avoid food until you feel better, but pregnancy is very different from the flu. Contrary to normal stomach upset, an empty stomach does not make the nausea go away - it makes it worse! So snack on soda crackers, natural ginger snaps, a banana, anything that your tummy will allow. Carry snacks with you at all times.
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Keep a box of crackers or cookies next to your bed, and eat about 30 minutes before getting out of bed. Don't get up on an empty stomach. During my last pregnancy, my husband brought me half a peanut butter sandwich (for the protein) and a cup of peppermint tea every morning in bed, to help stave off nausea.
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Peppermint, Ginger and Licorice are nature's tummy soothers. All are available as teas, candies or cookies, but make sure these actually have natural extracts in them. Artificial flavorings don't help. Hard candies such as "Preggo Pops" may be helpful, too.
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Try to make sure you get enough protein, especially in the morning. A scrambled egg, peanut butter toast, or even a protein shake will work. Protein takes longer to digest and helps regulate your blood sugar, instead of the ups and downs caused by solely eating carbs.
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Don't let yourself get dehydrated. Keep drinking frequently, in small sips (this can be especially helpful if you have another common pregnancy symptom, a constantly "watering mouth"). Natural ginger ale or ginger, peppermint, or licorice tea are good choices.
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Steer clear of strong odors, even if it means switching to milder soaps, shampoos, and laundry detergent. Don't use any household products with strong fragrances or fumes.
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If food odors bother you, try making cold foods as often as possible (sandwiches, salads), and microwave and bake the rest. The less you have to stand over the stove, the fewer smells you'll have to tolerate. Just make sure you're getting plenty of protein (nuts, dairy foods, and soy are good sources). If going grocery shopping makes you sick, try ordering your groceries online and having them delivered.
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Keep busy, but don't overexert. In another cruel twist of nature's irony, laying around can actually make you feel worse. Go for a walk, get some fresh air, visit a friend, or find a new hobby. Keeping your mind occupied will help take the focus off your queasy stomach, and make the time pass more quickly. Don't overdo it, though. Sit down frequently to rest, and take a nap if you need one. Just don't stay in bed all day, or it'll increase your misery.
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Try taking B-Vitamins, especially B6 and B12. A good, food-based B-Complex vitamin from a natural pharmacy should be easier to digest, and also help meet your Folic Acid requirements. Some practitioners offer B-Vitamin injections for extreme nausea.
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Nux Vomica is a homeopathic treatment for nausea, and is available at natural pharmacies. As with any medication, ask your care provider for directions and dosage.
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If you cannot stop vomiting after several hours, contact your health provider. It's important not to allow yourself to get weak and dehydrated. Sometimes medication by suppository may be needed to stop the vomiting long enough to get your nausea under control. For management of extreme long-term nausea, your provider may prescribe a medication such as Zofran (now also available in generic form).
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Tips & Warnings
Never be afraid to ask for help. If you need someone to take over cooking or grocery shopping for awhile, be honest and realistic. THIS TOO SHALL PASS!
Resources
- Morning Sickness Help
- SOS Morning Sickness
- How to Decide if an Epidural is the Right Choice for You
- How to Avoid an Unnecessary Induction
- How to Naturally Induce Labor
- How to Write A Birth Plan
- How to Prepare For Postpartum Recovery
- How to Save Money On Baby Gear
- How to Choose A Childbirth Class
- How to Decide If A Home Birth Is For You
