Finding out that you're pregnant may be wonderful news, but that first bout of morning sickness may put a damper on your joy. Morning sickness is common to many pregnant women, whether they are having their first, their third or their fourth child. The Mayo Clinic defines morning sickness as nausea experienced during the first three months of pregnancy (first trimester) and says it is typically caused by an increase in estrogen, as the hormone causes slower digestion. These levels of estrogen also prompt many women to abhor certain foods or smells and have unusual cravings. To help settle the stomach and get through the bouts of morning sickness a little more easily, keep foods on hand that are known to help alleviate morning sickness.
Carbohydrates
Foods high in carbohydrates relieve bouts of morning sickness for many women. Such foods include but are not limited to soda crackers, white rice, dry toast, dry English muffins and dry breakfast cereals like Cheerios. Rice and rice cakes can also help. Saltine crackers are an old standard used by women for generations to settle an uncertain stomach first thing in the morning.
Ginger
Herbs have been taken as teas or sprinkled in foods for generations to help relieve bouts of nausea. One of the most effective is ginger. The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology published an article that states ginger may help manage morning sickness during the first four months of pregnancy. Ginger can be purchased raw and a slice placed between the cheek and gum or chewed, or sprinkled on food. Ginger or mint flavored chewing gum also helps many women.
Flavored Foods
Foods high in flavor often promote relief from nausea. Sucking on a lemon or a peppermint often helps, as can popsicles or frozen desserts and sipping lemonade. Women around the world brew raspberry or other herbal teas such as ginger, spearmint or chamomile for relief, or eat gelatin or yogurt, which is easy for the stomach to digest. Salty foods and soups often help as well, one of the most popular being chicken broth.
