Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, commonly called morning sickness, affect women during the first trimester of pregnancy. In some cases, morning sickness can last beyond the 14th week, or the end of the first trimester. Some women experience only moderate nausea, while others actually vomit. A cure for morning sickness does not exist, but there are numerous things women can try to help find relief.
Ginger
Ginger root, ginger ale, ginger tea and even ginger capsules are just some of the remedies women attempt to relieve nausea and vomiting. Commercial ginger-flavored hard candies or suckers also may be effective.
Crackers
Saltine crackers, especially when eaten first thing in the morning, can help to calm the stomach. Salty foods made of mostly carbohydrates, including potatoes and bread, are soothing.
Seabands
Seabands are available for purchase at drugstores or similar shopping centers. The band contains a small peg that is placed over a pressure point in the wrist. This is a form of acupressure. The seaband is manufactured with motion sickness in mind, but some women find it helpful in relieving pregnancy nausea.
Fluids
The American Pregnancy Association points out that staying well-hydrated is important during pregnancy and helps relieve morning sickness. Women should not drink fluids 30 minutes prior to or 30 minutes following a meal, as this can make nausea worse.
Avoid an Empty Stomach
An empty stomach can allow the digestive acids to be more active, creating discomfort. This can be avoided if a woman eats small meals several times during the day. Protein sources should be included as much as possible, as the placenta and brain of the baby are developing during this same time. Protein will also help a woman feel full longer. FamilyDoctor suggests avoiding rich, spicy, greasy or fatty foods. These acid-triggering foods and can cause heartburn in addition to nausea during pregnancy. Part of morning sickness includes having the symptoms set off by scents and even tastes. Many women find certain foods, such as coffee, especially nauseating while pregnant.
Lemon
Eating, sucking or even sniffing lemons may provide morning sickness relief. The scent of the lemon is especially helpful when a nauseating odor is present. A pregnant woman can carry a few drops of lemon juice on a tissue to provide an instant barrier to noxious odors.
Other Edible Remedies
Some women find gelatin, flavored ice pops and peppermint tea help soothe an upset stomach and keep fluids down. Sour or citrus-flavored hard candies can keep saliva going in the mouth and provide some nausea relief.
Medicines
Medicines for morning sickness should be taken only under the advice of a medical professional. Sometimes combining vitamin B6 with a sleep aid is recommended. When the symptoms are severe, a doctor may prescribe an anti-nausea medication. The side effects of this type of drug can include constipation, something that is already common in pregnancy.
