What Can I Eat to Ease Morning Sickness?

What Can I Eat to Ease Morning Sickness?
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Morning sickness can occur at any point during the day or night and generally goes away around the 14th week of pregnancy. However, for some pregnant mothers, it may take another month before the nausea and vomiting goes away. A few women may experience morning sickness throughout their pregnancy. There are natural ways to help alleviate nausea and vomiting. However, if severe nausea and vomiting occurs, consult with a doctor.

Eat Often

The Baby Center recommends that pregnant women suffering from morning sickness eat frequently to avoid feeling too full or becoming too hungry. When the stomach is too full or too empty, nausea and vomiting can occur. Keep saltine crackers by the bed, and eat a few when first waking up. Then wait 20 minutes before getting out of bed. Eating a few crackers in the middle of the night may also help ease morning sickness during the night.

Cold Foods

The American Pregnancy Association suggests eating cold foods to help relieve nausea and vomiting. Cold foods can include vegetables, fruits, sandwiches and salads. Prepare cold foods carefully to avoid listeria. Listeria is a type of bacteria that is found in the water and soil and has been found in uncooked vegetables and undercooked meats. Wash all fruits and vegetables and keep the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less to help prevent listeria.

Bland Foods

Bland foods such as chicken broth or a plain baked potato can help ease morning sickness, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Other bland foods include pretzels, saltine crackers, rice, gelatin and bananas. Products made with ginger can also help alleviate nausea and vomiting. Ginger products include ginger ale, ginger candies and ginger tea. Peppermint products such as peppermint candy and peppermint teas has also been known to help alleviate nausea. Avoid foods and smells that make nausea worse.

Carbohydrates

Pregnant women often find relief from morning sickness when they consume carbohydrate foods, according to Baby Center. Carbohydrate foods include pasta, breads and grains. Whole grains are healthier than "white" pasta and bread products because whole grains contain the entire grain. The entire grain contains vitamins that are not found in "white" pasta and bread products. Once the morning sickness has subsided, usually after the first trimester, pregnant women can focus on eating a more balanced diet with protein, fruits and vegetables.

Protein

Some pregnant women may find that eating protein can help alleviate symptoms of morning sickness. Protein digests slower and can keep the stomach full for longer periods of time. Protein sources include meat and poultry, dairy products and tofu. Cook meat and poultry thoroughly, and only eat dairy products that have been pasteurized. Not all women find protein helpful. Pregnant women should consume what works for them.

References

Article reviewed by Eric Lochridge Last updated on: Nov 4, 2010

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