One of the most common symptoms of pregnancy is nausea. This feeling of queasiness can hit at any time of the day and make it difficult for women to go about their daily routines.
Fortunately, there are many ways to alleviate pregnancy nausea without resorting to medication or other invasive treatments. In this article, we’ll explore the top 8 ways to beat pregnancy nausea.
1. Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals
One of the simplest ways to alleviate nausea is to avoid large, heavy meals that can cause digestive upset. Instead, try eating smaller portions of food more frequently throughout the day.
This will help keep your stomach from emptying completely, which can trigger nausea.
2. Avoid Strong Smells
Pregnant women are often more sensitive to smells than usual, and certain odors can trigger nausea. To avoid this, try to stay away from strong smells that you find unpleasant. This might mean avoiding certain foods, perfumes, or cleaning products.
If you’re not sure what smells might be causing your nausea, try keeping a journal to track your reactions to different scents.
3. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can contribute to nausea, so it’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day. You might also try drinking herbal teas or ginger ale to soothe your stomach.
Be sure to avoid sugary drinks or caffeine, which can exacerbate nausea.
4. Get Plenty of Rest
Fatigue can make nausea worse, so it’s important to get plenty of rest during pregnancy. Try to take naps throughout the day if you can, and prioritize a good night’s sleep each night.
You might also try relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or yoga, to help reduce stress.
5. Eat Foods That Help Alleviate Nausea
Some foods are known to help alleviate nausea. These might include ginger, peppermint, or citrus fruits. Try incorporating these foods into your diet, or talk to your healthcare provider about other foods that might be beneficial for you.
6. Try Acupressure
Acupressure is a type of therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body. Some pregnant women have found that acupressure can help relieve nausea.
The most common pressure point for nausea is located on the inside of the wrist, about three finger widths from the crease in the wrist. You can try applying gentle pressure to this area throughout the day to see if it helps alleviate your symptoms.
7. Exercise
Exercise can help reduce stress and improve overall health, which can in turn alleviate nausea. However, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine, especially during pregnancy.
You might try gentle activities like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga.
8. Consider Medications
If your nausea is severe and none of the above techniques are working, your healthcare provider might recommend medication to help alleviate your symptoms.
However, many women prefer to avoid medication during pregnancy, so be sure to discuss the risks and benefits with your provider before starting any new treatment.