Pregnancy is a beautiful experience for many women, but it’s not always easy. In fact, more than 70% of pregnant women report experiencing some degree of nausea or vomiting during pregnancy.
This is also known as pregnancy-induced nausea or morning sickness.
If you’re pregnant and dealing with nausea, you may be wondering how to cope. The good news is there are several remedies available that can help alleviate and manage nausea. Here are some tips to help ease the symptoms of pregnancy-induced nausea.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can make nausea worse. It’s important to stay hydrated throughout pregnancy to help reduce nausea. Drinking water, sports drinks, or ginger ale can help keep you hydrated and provide relief from morning sickness.
Avoid drinking too many sugary drinks as they can make nausea worse and lead to weight gain.
Eat Small, Frequent Meals
Skipping meals or eating large meals can make nausea worse. Eating small, frequent meals can help keep blood sugar levels stable and prevent nausea from setting in. Try eating six small meals throughout the day instead of three larger ones.
This will help you avoid getting too hungry and help keep nausea at bay.
Avoid Trigger Foods
Some foods can trigger nausea during pregnancy. Common trigger foods include spicy, greasy, or high-fat foods, caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods like tomatoes or oranges.
Try to avoid these foods or eat in moderation to reduce the likelihood of triggering nausea.
Get Enough Rest
Tiredness and fatigue can make nausea worse. Make sure to get enough rest, especially during the first trimester when pregnancy-induced nausea is most common. Take naps during the day if possible, and try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Getting enough rest can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can also help alleviate nausea.
Meditation and Relaxation Techniques
Stress can contribute to nausea and vomiting. Using relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help reduce stress levels and provide relief from morning sickness.
Try to set aside time daily for relaxation to help manage stress and nausea.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into the skin at various pressure points.
This technique is often used to alleviate nausea and vomiting, and some studies suggest that it can be effective for treating pregnancy-induced nausea. If you’re interested in trying acupuncture, make sure to seek out a qualified practitioner who is experienced in working with pregnant women.
Herbal Remedies
Some herbs and supplements can also help reduce nausea during pregnancy. Ginger is a common natural remedy for nausea and has been shown in studies to be effective for reducing morning sickness.
Peppermint, chamomile, and lemon balm teas may also help alleviate nausea. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements as some may not be safe during pregnancy.
Prescription Medication
In some cases, prescription medication may be needed to manage severe nausea during pregnancy. Doctors may prescribe anti-nausea drugs like Diclegis, which is specifically designed to treat morning sickness.
However, these drugs should only be used under the guidance of a doctor and weighed against potential risks to the baby or other side effects.
Conclusion
Pregnancy-induced nausea can be frustrating and uncomfortable, but taking steps to manage symptoms can help make it more bearable.
Staying hydrated, eating small meals, avoiding trigger foods, getting enough rest and using relaxation techniques, can all help reduce nausea during pregnancy. If symptoms persist or are severe, it’s important to talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions and explore other treatment options.