For many expectant mothers, morning sickness is a common and often unpleasant symptom of pregnancy. Nausea and vomiting can make it challenging to carry out daily tasks and enjoy meals, causing discomfort and frustration.
While there is no foolproof solution to completely eliminate morning sickness, there are several practical and natural remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms and make this phase more bearable. In this article, we will explore 30 remedies that you can try to survive morning sickness.
1. Ginger
Ginger has been used for centuries to relieve nausea and digestive issues. Sipping ginger tea, chewing on ginger candies, or taking ginger supplements can provide relief from morning sickness.
2. Peppermint
Peppermint has a calming effect on the stomach and can help soothe nausea. Consuming peppermint tea, sucking on peppermint candies, or inhaling peppermint oil can ease the symptoms of morning sickness.
3. Lemon
The fresh scent of lemon can help alleviate nausea. Squeeze some lemon juice into water or tea, sniff lemon slices, or use lemon essential oil to manage morning sickness.
4. Acupressure
Applying pressure to specific points on the body can relieve nausea. Try using acupressure wristbands or gently massaging the pressure point located between the thumb and index finger.
5. Small, Frequent Meals
Eating large meals can trigger or worsen morning sickness. Opt for smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to keep your stomach settled and prevent feelings of nausea.
6. Avoid Triggers
Identify any specific triggers that worsen your morning sickness and try to avoid them. It could be certain smells, foods, or even the sight of certain objects. Minimizing exposure to these triggers can help reduce nausea episodes.
7. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can exacerbate morning sickness symptoms. Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water, throughout the day to stay hydrated and keep nausea at bay.
8. Eat High-Protein Snacks
Protein-rich snacks can help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce feelings of nausea. Opt for snacks such as nuts, yogurt, or hard-boiled eggs to combat morning sickness.
9. Vitamin B6
Studies have shown that vitamin B6 can significantly reduce the severity of morning sickness. Consult your healthcare provider about taking vitamin B6 supplements and the appropriate dosage.
10. Fragrance-Free Products
Strong smells from perfumes, soaps, or cleaning products can trigger nausea. Use fragrance-free alternatives to avoid any unwanted scents that may worsen your morning sickness.
11. Rest and Relaxation
Stress and fatigue can intensify morning sickness. Take time to rest and relax, engaging in activities that help calm your mind and body. Practice deep breathing exercises or prenatal yoga to alleviate symptoms.
12. Breath Fresh Air
Stuffy or overheated environments can contribute to nausea. Open windows, go for a walk outdoors, or use a fan to circulate fresh air and create a more pleasant atmosphere.
13. Avoid Spicy or Greasy Foods
Spicy and greasy foods are notorious for triggering indigestion and worsening nausea. Stick to mild and easily digestible foods to minimize morning sickness symptoms.
14. Sour Foods
Sour foods such as sour candies or citrus fruits can help alleviate nausea. Keep some sour snacks handy and consume them whenever you feel queasy.
15. Herbal Teas
Certain herbal teas like chamomile or mint can help soothe the stomach and reduce morning sickness. Sip on these teas throughout the day to find relief.
16. Aromatherapy
Using essential oils like lavender or spearmint in a diffuser or rubbing a few drops on your wrists can have a calming effect and reduce morning sickness symptoms.
17. Avoid Skipping Meals
Empty stomachs are more prone to experiencing nausea. Even if you don’t feel like eating, try to have a light snack to keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent morning sickness.
18. Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress to your forehead or the back of your neck can help soothe nausea and provide temporary relief.
19. Avoid Trigger Odors
If certain smells trigger your morning sickness, try to identify them and avoid them. If cooking smells make you nauseous, delegate those tasks to someone else or opt for takeout instead.
20. Vitamin B12
Similar to vitamin B6, vitamin B12 can alleviate morning sickness symptoms. Speak to your healthcare provider about incorporating vitamin B12-rich foods into your diet or taking a supplement.
21. Stay Upright After Meals
Lying down immediately after a meal can contribute to feelings of nausea. Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after eating to aid digestion and reduce the chances of experiencing morning sickness.
22. Eat Before Getting Out of Bed
Have a light snack, such as crackers or plain toast, before you even get out of bed in the morning. This can help prevent an empty stomach and alleviate morning sickness.
23. Sea Bands
Sea Bands are wristbands that apply pressure to the Nei-Kuan point and have been known to relieve morning sickness symptoms in some individuals. Give them a try and see if they work for you.
24. Acupuncture
Acupuncture sessions with a trained practitioner can help alleviate morning sickness symptoms. Consult with a qualified acupuncturist who specializes in prenatal care.
25. Chamomile
Chamomile tea has calming properties that can ease nausea. Sip on a warm cup of chamomile tea whenever you feel morning sickness coming on.
26. Crackers or Dry Toast
Keep some plain crackers or dry toast by your bedside and munch on them before getting up in the morning. These bland foods can help settle your stomach and prevent nausea.
27. Mint Essential Oil
Inhaling mint essential oil or applying a few drops to a tissue and sniffing it can give you temporary relief from morning sickness.
28. Avoid Fatty Foods
Fatty foods can take longer to digest and may trigger or aggravate morning sickness. Avoid greasy meals or opt for lighter alternatives to keep nausea under control.
29. Stay Calm
Stress and anxiety can intensify morning sickness. Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, to help keep your body and mind calm.
30. Talk to Your Healthcare Provider
If your morning sickness is severe or persistent, it is always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide additional guidance, recommend safe medications, or suggest alternative therapies to manage your symptoms.