Morning sickness doesn't just have to happen in the morning. In fact, it can strike at any time of the day or night, and it affects as many as 90 percent of women. When you're struggling with morning sickness, eating food may be the last thing on your mind, but according to the American Pregnancy Association, food can actually be a useful tool for easing and even preventing nausea and vomiting.
Fluids
The Mayo Clinic suggests drinking extra fluids to help with morning sickness. This doesn't have to mean just drinking water. You can suck on ice or juice chips or eat foods with high water content, like watermelon. Keeping fluids in your stomach can help ease nausea associated with an empty stomach. Increased fluid intake also helps stave off dehydration, a condition which can both cause and be worsened by morning sickness. Drink fluids at least 15 minutes before meals, but not during meals.
Small Meals
According to the American Pregnancy Association, eating more frequent small means can help stave off morning sickness. This serves a dual purpose. First, it helps give over-active stomach acid something to work on rather than your own stomach. Secondly, it helps prevent blood sugar spikes and dips, which can contribute to nausea. Salty potato chips have been shown to calm the stomach before meals.
Soda Crackers
Soda crackers work to absorb stomach acid. They're also easily digestible and could pave the way for you to be able to keep down a small meal. The American Pregnancy Association recommends keeping some soda crackers next to your bed and eating a few before you even get out of bed in the morning as a means of stopping morning sickness before it starts. This will give your blood sugar a boost and calm stomach acid.
Lemons and Ginger
According to the Mayo clinic, foods with ginger have been shown to help reduce nausea and vomiting. You can eat ginger candy, drink ginger tea or suck on slivers of fresh sliced ginger. Sucking on lemon slices may have a similar effect. Combine the two by having ginger tea with lemon. Smelling ginger or lemons can also give you their anti-nausea benefits. If those don't work, try eating small bits of watermelon.
