Morning sickness is quite common during the first trimester of pregnancy. As you get pregnant, plenty of physiological and psychological changes take place in your system. Hormones begin to flow in large quantities which aids in the development of the fetus inside your womb. These hormones continue to nourish the growing fetus until the placenta gets connected with the baby. The level of excess hormone would gradually come down which in turn stops your nausea slowly.
HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) and other stress hormones are responsible for causing morning sickness. But morning sickness is not confined only to pregnant women. It can happen to people of all ages due to various factors. Deficiency of certain vitamins and essential nutrients can cause nausea and morning sickness. In most of the pregnant women morning sickness will subside gradually after 15 weeks but there are women who continue to experience sickness throughout the term also.
Some of the best home remedies for beating morning sickness are given here :
1. Ginger
Ginger is a very useful spice that fights various stomach problems including morning sickness and nausea. Ginger can be had in any form like freshly cut pieces, ginger powder, ginger chocolate, and more. Drinking a glass of ginger tea can help in reducing morning sickness. Add one or two slices of ginger to a cup of boiling water and let it sit for 15 minutes. Strain this tea and drink it several times a day. Ginger tea can be had in empty stomach to get maximum effect.
2. Lemon
To overcome nausea, it is enough if you just sniff a slice of fresh lemon. For many pregnant women, this trick works well. Drink fresh lemon juice in empty stomach to beat morning sickness. Add few drops of lemon juice in your regular coffee or tea. Start your day with fresh lemon juice to prevent morning sickness.
3. Herbal Tea
Nowadays you can get great varieties of herbal tea in the supermarket. You can choose the desired flavor and enjoy sipping a cup of hot herbal tea. It is available in lemon and mint flavor and much more. Add 1-2 tsp of tea powder to a cup of hot water. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Strain this tea if you wish or you can drink it directly. Having herbal tea regularly can help in driving morning sickness and nausea.
4. Raspberry Tea
Red colored raspberry tea is known to cure many problems of pregnancy. Women in first trimester can get over morning sickness and nauseated feeling by drinking this herbal tea. Add 1-2 tsp of raspberry dried leaves to boiling water. Leave it for few minutes to get the decoction. You can drink this tea 2-3 times a day to overcome morning sickness. Remember one thing. It is considered that raspberry leaves can lead to uterine contractions in some women. Hence if you have abdominal cramps avoid this tea during first trimester.
5. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds are good for many indigestion problems and this includes morning sickness also. Chew few pieces of this seed slowly whenever you feel like vomiting.
6. Water
You will not feel like drinking water when you have morning sickness. But you can always drink water and keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. Make it a habit to drink plenty of water in regular time intervals. When your body is in hydrated condition you are less likely to have nausea and morning sickness. In case you wake up during night for visiting bathroom you can come back and drink a cup of water.
7. Fresh Fruit Juices
If you are getting bored with drinking water, you can replace it with fresh fruit juices. Try oranges or grape juice in the morning. Alternatively, you can drink tangerine rind along with tea.
8. Wafers and Crackers
Grab some flavored wafers of your choice as soon as you get up from the bed. Nausea and morning sickness can be easily treated by taking something as you wake up. Keep some wafers near your bed so that you can eat them whenever you feel hungry.
9. Spread Your Meals
Eat limited portion of frequent meals daily. Your growing tummy may not be able to tolerate a hefty meal as before and this can cause morning sickness. It is good to spread your meals evenly throughout the day and you can have 5 or 6 meals a day. Always keep fresh fruits handy so that you can reach them whenever you feel hungry. Grab few nuts or some apple slices for the evening snacks.
10. Vitamin Supplement
Follow the instructions of your doctor in taking medications prescribed by her during pregnancy. Having right quantity of vitamin B6 in your body can help in reducing morning sickness. Vitamin supplement taken with food can keep your stomach calm.
Things To Avoid :
- Do not eat big meals during pregnancy.
- Avoid spicy and fatty foods since it can increase the nausea.
- Identify the triggering agents and avoid them completely.
- Some women are disturbed with certain odors during pregnancy and it is good to stay away from such smell. Keep your room well ventilated and add a humidifier.
- Avoid smoking and drinking during pregnancy since it can cause more damage to the growing fetus.
- Brush your teeth after every meal, if possible. You can also use mouthwash frequently to keep your breath fresh.
- Practice yoga and relaxation exercise.
- Take adequate rest if you are not feeling well.
Other Therapies For Morning Sickness :
Morning sickness is part of pregnancy for most of the women which will disappear after 15 weeks. If you wish to try alternate therapies ensure that you are seeking help from registered person.
- Acupuncture and Acupressure :
A trained therapist will insert small needles at target points in your body which helps in relieving you from nausea and morning sickness. This forms the basis of acupuncture. In acupressure stress is applied on your hands at fixed points to get relief from nausea. You can wear wristband also to get the same effect.
- Aroma and Flower Therapy :
Smell of certain flowers and oils can reduce the nausea. Peppermint, lime, sweet orange and lemon are some of the best flavors suggested for overcoming nausea.