Morning sickness is a common early sign of pregnancy. Usually characterized by nausea and vomiting, it usually begins around the sixth week of pregnancy and lasts through the first trimester. More than half of all pregnant women experience morning sickness, according to the American Pregnancy Association. There are many remedies considered safe and effective for reducing the symptoms of morning sickness; however, pregnant women unable to keep any food down, those who continue vomiting well into the second trimester, or those who experience vomiting with pain or fever should consult with a doctor.
Stick With Foods That Work
The American Pregnancy Association recommends avoiding foods that make morning sickness worse. These will vary from woman to woman, and from pregnancy to pregnancy. If almost everything seems to make morning sickness act up, the Baby Center recommends sticking to the few foods that appear appealing, even if they don't make for a well-balanced diet.
Small Meals
Small changes in food and drink can have a big impact on morning sickness. The American Pregnancy Association recommends eating small meals throughout the day with fluids at least 30 minutes before or after. These modifications keep the stomach from ever feeling too full, which can exacerbate morning sickness, while keeping the body properly hydrated.
Salty Foods
Salty foods like potato chips, French fries and chicken broth can help settle the stomach enough to eat a meal, according to the Ask Dr. Sears website. Be sure to not overdo it, as too much salt can lead to thirst, and too many greasy foods may exacerbate morning sickness.
Foods With Weaker Aromas
Foods with weaker aromas can help keep morning sickness at bay. This includes bland foods and those eaten at cold or room temperatures.
Ginger
Fresh ginger as part of tea or candies has been shown to safely relieve pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies. Ginger ale made with real ginger is hard to find, but some grocery stores do carry it and many believe it helps quell nausea.
Citrus
Many women report that smelling or sucking on citrus fruits, particularly sour ones like limes or lemons, can helps relieve morning sickness. Try grating a lemon or an orange peel and keeping the peels in a bag for emergency sniffing. Hard candies made from lemons, or even a small wedge of a citrus fruit, can help.
Motion Sickness Bands
The acupressure point known as P6, located on the inside of the forearm about 2 inches above the wrist, may help relieve morning sickness-related nausea and vomiting. Cotton acupressure bands, also known as motion sickness bands, place gentle pressure on the P6 point, and are readily available at most drugstores.
