Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is a common condition. This condition can occur at any time of the day and is often referred to as morning sickness. Overcoming nausea during pregnancy is actually not difficult and this method is highly recommended so that the symptoms don't get worse.
Remember, nausea and vomiting during pregnancy usually don't harm the fetus, but they can seriously affect your daily activities. This includes the ability to work or do homework. Therefore, consider the following powerful tips for dealing with nausea during pregnancy: How to Overcome Nausea during Pregnancy
If symptoms of nausea during pregnancy persist, your doctor or midwife will usually recommend supplements of vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), ginger and over-the-counter options such as doxylamine (Unisom). If the mother still has symptoms, prescription anti-nausea medication can also be given.
Moderate to severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy can cause dehydration and electrolytes, such as sodium or potassium, as well as substance imbalances. Extra fluids and prescription medication are recommended for moderate to severe nausea. Your doctor will recommend safe options, based on the severity of your symptoms.
There are also some lifestyle and home remedies you can try to treat nausea during pregnancy, for example:
- Choose Food Carefully. Choose healthy foods that are high in protein, low in fat and easy to digest, and avoid oily, spicy and fatty foods. Bland foods, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast may be an option because they are easy to digest. Salty foods sometimes help, as well as foods containing ginger, such as ginger candy.
- Eat More Snacks. Before getting out of bed, eat some crackers or a piece of toast. Mothers can also eat snacks throughout the day to prevent an empty stomach. The reason is, if the stomach is empty then this will make nausea worse.
- Drink Lots of Fluids. Drink water or ginger water and aim for six to eight glasses of non-caffeinated beverages daily.
- Avoid Nausea Triggers. Avoid foods or smells that seem to make nausea worse.
- Breath Fresh Air. Weather permitting, open windows at home or work. Apart from that, you can also take a walk outside every day to get fresh air.
- Be careful with Prenatal Vitamins. If you feel nauseous after taking prenatal vitamins, take them with a snack or at bedtime. If these steps don't help, ask your doctor about other ways to get the iron and vitamins you need during pregnancy.
- Rinse Mouth After Vomiting. Acid from the stomach can damage the enamel on the teeth. Therefore, try to rinse your mouth with a cup of water mixed with a teaspoon of baking soda. This will help neutralize the acid and protect the teeth.
- acupressure. Acupressure bracelets are available without a prescription at most pharmacies. Studies of acupressure bracelets have had mixed results, but some women seem to find the bracelets helpful.
- acupuncture. With acupuncture, a trained practitioner inserts hair-thin needles into the skin. Acupuncture isn't a proven way to treat morning sickness, but some women seem to find it helpful.
- Ginger. Herbal ginger supplements are also thought to relieve morning sickness for some pregnant women. Most research indicates that ginger can be used safely during pregnancy, but there is some concern that ginger may affect the sex hormones of the fetus so it is best to consult a doctor before consuming it.
- Hypnosis. Although there has been little research on this method, some pregnant women have found nausea symptoms improved through hypnosis.
- Aroma therapy. Scientific evidence for this method is also scant, but mothers can try certain fragrances, which are usually made using essential oils (aromatherapy), to help with nausea during pregnancy.