If you’re pregnant and experiencing nausea, know that you’re not alone. In fact, about 80% of pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting during their first trimester.
The good news is that you can manage nausea during pregnancy. Here are some tips to help you beat nausea:.
: Eat Small, Frequent Meals
Instead of eating three large meals a day, try to eat several smaller meals throughout the day. This will help keep your stomach from getting too empty and may help prevent nausea.
Also, try eating some crackers or dry toast before getting out of bed in the morning to help settle your stomach.
: Avoid Strong Smells
Strong smells can trigger nausea. Try to avoid cooking or being around foods with strong smells. You may also find that certain perfumes, cleaning products, and other odors make you feel nauseous. Try to avoid them as much as possible.
: Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can make nausea worse. Make sure you drink plenty of water and other fluids throughout the day. You may find that drinking small sips of water throughout the day is easier on your stomach than drinking a lot at once.
: Avoid Foods That Trigger Nausea
Pay attention to what foods make you feel nauseous and try to avoid them. Common trigger foods include spicy, greasy or fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol.
Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about any dietary restrictions or recommendations that may be specific to your pregnancy.
: Get Plenty of Rest
Fatigue can make nausea worse, so make sure you get plenty of rest. Take naps when you feel tired and try to get eight hours of sleep a night. You may also find that resting after meals helps reduce nausea.
: Try Acupressure
Acupressure is a technique that involves applying pressure to certain points on your body. Some women find that acupressure can help reduce nausea.
You can try wearing acupressure wristbands, or ask your healthcare provider if they can recommend an acupressure practitioner.
: Talk to Your Healthcare Provider
If your nausea is severe, talk to your healthcare provider. They may be able to recommend medications or other treatments to help reduce your symptoms. Do not take any over-the-counter medications without consulting your healthcare provider first.
: Stay Positive
Nausea during pregnancy can be difficult to deal with, but remember, it’s a common and normal part of pregnancy. Try to stay positive and remind yourself that it will likely improve as your pregnancy progresses.
You may also find it helpful to connect with other pregnant women who are experiencing similar symptoms.
: Conclusion
Nausea during pregnancy can be challenging, but there are ways to manage it.
Eating small, frequent meals, staying hydrated, avoiding trigger foods and strong smells, getting plenty of rest, trying acupressure, and talking to your healthcare provider are all strategies that can help reduce nausea. Remember, nausea during pregnancy is a common and normal part of the process and many women experience relief as their pregnancy progresses.