REMEDIES TO HELP CONTROL MORNING SICKNESS

Nausea is very common during early pregnancy (primarily the first 3 months). The good news is that it normally will taper off by the end of week 13 or so. For me personally, it was normally about week 15 or 16 before I felt normal again. But for most, week 13ish is more like it.

The reason the nausea occurs is that your body is reacting to the hormonal changes that are happening due to the pregnancy. Your hormone levels are rising at a very rapid pace and this can cause nausea for some women. Low levels of vitamin B6 or glycogen (the natural sugar stored in your liver) can also cause nausea. It is unclear as to why not all women experience morning sickness, however if you are someone who does, it can be terrible.

Some things you can try:

• Nausea is especially bad on an empty stomach. (This is how the nausea got termed "morning sickness". It is normally worse first thing in the morning because of the long stretch between meals from dinner the previous night, to breakfast the following morning.) Try eating a high protein snack before going to bed, such as a lean meat or cheese. Protein takes longer for our bodies to digest.
• Try munching on some dry crackers, toast, or dry cereal at least 20 minutes before getting out of bed in the morning. When you do get out of bed, get up slowly and easily. Getting up too fast can also cause dizziness and nausea.
• Eat small frequent meals. Eat 6-8 small meals a day instead of 3 big meals. Also try avoiding anything fried or spicy. Those things tend to cause nausea and heartburn.
• Try to drink plenty of fluids BUT drink between meals and NOT with your meal. For some reason many women find that when they mix their drink with their meal, it tends to make the nausea worse.
• Try a peppermint or ginger tea. You may be able to find these caffeine free, but if not, remember that caffeine in moderation is considered safe during pregnancy.
• Salty crunchy snacks (such as potato chips, nuts, pretzels) and tart beverages (lemonade) may be tolerable when other items are not. Follow your craving in this regard. They won't lead you wrong.
• Avoid strong odors, such as coffee or fried foods.
• In contrast to those who find strong odors sickening, some women find that aromatherapy can be helpful. Aromatherapy uses essential oils from herbs and plants. Several (3-6) drops of spearmint oil placed in a bowl of boiling water (or on your pillow case), next to the bed as you rest, may help with the morning sickness. Essential oils from ginger, coriander, cardamom and lavender may also help. Also it is said that citrus smells (orange and/or lemon) help some women.
• I found with my last baby, that Jolly Rancher candy was helpful for me. Don't know why, but I get REALLY sick in the beginning and this did give me temporary relief, even if only for just a few minutes.
• Accupressure is said to be helpful for some women. You can find accupressure wristbands at some health food stores, drug stores, even boating supply shops.
• Avoid lying down right after a meal.
• There are also safe medications available, if necessary.
  

**Note: Severe nausea and/or vomiting can lead to dehydration and weight loss. It may even require intravenous fluids. This extreme form of nausea and vomiting is called Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Please let your health care provider know if you are experiencing this.