By Dr. Elisheva Neffinger
“Morning sickness” is a common ailment that many women experience during the first trimester of pregnancy. But don't be fooled: morning sickness does not just occur in the morning! Women who suffer from morning sickness commonly experience persistent nausea and vomiting throughout the day. Thankfully these symptoms usually resolve by the second trimester. Here are some ways to help relieve and prevent morning sickness.
Get Moving
Exercise, especially going for a walk outdoors in the fresh air, can help relieve morning sickness symptoms.
Neutralize Odors
During pregnancy, aromas can be a friend or foe. Strong smells can trigger nausea, while mint and citrus can help to relieve queasiness.
Stay Hydrated
Make sure to stay hydrated throughout pregnancy, But be careful of drinking water too quickly, which can cause you to swallow air and make your nausea worse. Try making healthy popsicles, or sipping drinks over crushed ice. Drink fluids between meals instead of at mealtime, to avoid getting too full.
Eat Small Snacks Frequently
Keep blood sugar stable by eating small snacks throughout the day. Start your day with bland food like crackers, ideally before getting out of bed in the morning. Eat a high-protein snack before sleep such as turkey slices, nut butter, nuts, greek yogurt, or a hard-boiled egg.
Sip on Some Tea
Sipping on some tea can soothe sick feelings. Ginger tea is especially useful for morning sickness. Other herbs to try include fennel, anise, mint, and chamomile. (Make sure to check with your doctor about how much is safe to ingest during pregnancy.)
Speak to Your Naturopathic Doctor
Certain nutrient deficiencies, including B-Vitamin, have been associated with morning sickness. Talk to your naturopathic doctor to be assessed. Also, double check if your supplements should be taken with food--some supplements can cause nausea on an empty stomach.
Spotlight on Women's Health
with Dr. Neffinger
In this ongoing series, Dr. Elisheva Neffinger highlights women's health, addressing issues, sharing naturopathic insights, and reflecting on ways to promote overall wellness.
Past installments include: