Morning sickness refers to the queasiness and discomfort felt by pregnant women, generally early in the first trimester. Despite the name, morning sickness can occur at any time and may last throughout the entire day and night. Most stomach soothing medicines are not recommended during pregnancy. This leaves home remedies, changes in behavior and alternative medicine choices for minimizing the discomfort surrounding this pregnancy ailment. What triggers morning sickness in one woman may not be what triggers it in another. Thus, several techniques may be attempted before one is successful in diminishing the effects of morning sickness.
Acupressure
Acupressure is an alternative approach to calming pregnancy nausea. There are three key points on the body that can be pressed to relieve morning sickness symptoms. The first point, the Inner Gate, is found about 1 1/2 inches away from the wrist, moving towards the elbow. Turn your hand palm up and press between the bones on this point for 2 to 3 minutes. The second point, Leg Three Yi, is along the shin bone 2 inches below the knee. By raising your big toe you can feel the connection between this point and your movement. Press here for 2 to 3 minutes. Finally, the Heavenly Container point is just below the earlobe. Find the indentation between the earlobe and where the jaw starts. Press firmly for a few minutes, or for as long as you can tolerate the pressure. Motion sickness pressure bands, such as Sea Bands, can also be used if finding pressure points is too difficult or ineffective for you.
Dietary Supplements
Ginger, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 supplements are known to stop nausea feelings. Consult with your medical care provider before taking any supplements, even though they are natural and do not require a prescription. Ginger products are known to help with nausea but capsules may be the easiest way to get a large quantity of the root into your body. According to Mayo Clinic, you can take 750mg per day. Brewing tea made of ginger root is another method to consume the root. Vitamins B12 and B6 can be effective at as low as 50mg per day, per the Mayo Clinic.
Lifestyle Changes
Scents and foods can easily trigger morning sickness. Avoid anything that has already made you nauseated so far. Try a whiff of fresh lemon. Drink a carbonated beverage, like ginger ale. Keep crackers or bread near your bed and eat them before rising. Ensure that you are eating healthy foods instead of grease laden or fatty foods. Grease and fat are known to increase nausea. Do not eat right before bed and avoid vigorous activity after a meal. Digestion is slower due to the pregnancy and food may need extra time to settle. If symptoms become severe and vomiting is frequent, contact your medical care provider right away.
