7 morning sickness remedies to get you through the day
Morning sickness is something a lot of pregnant women struggle with. Thankfully, there are a range of morning sickness remedies available.
What causes morning sickness?
The exact cause of morning sickness isn’t known; however, there are a few theories that suggest changing hormones plays a big part – for example, increasing oestrogen levels and increased human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) levels. Additionally, Pregnancy Birth & Baby says a lack of vitamin B6 in your diet could be another cause.
Related: What to discuss with your midwife before birth
When does morning sickness start?
Morning sickness usually starts around the fourth week of pregnancy. Don’t be fooled by the name – while you’re more likely to feel sick in the morning, it can strike at any time of the day or night.
For many, morning sickness symptoms will subside around week 12-14. But Better Health Victoria says 1 in 5 women will experience sickness into their second trimester – and, even worse, a few will have it throughout their entire pregnancy.
Morning sickness remedies
When it comes to morning sickness remedies, Tylah McConnell, a midwife based in Sydney, says, “When we talk about dealing with nausea in pregnancy, it really is a step-up process. There are so many natural remedies you can begin with.”
Here are some morning sickness remedies to help you get through the day.
Remember: it’s always a good idea to talk to your GP or midwife before taking any natural therapy.
1. Ginger
Ginger for morning sickness is widely used and recommended. Try and eat and drink things made with real ginger, such as biscuits.
While not all teas are safe during pregnancy, Pregnancy Birth & Baby says ginger tea “should be safe in moderation while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.”
2. Peppermint
If you aren’t a fan of ginger, peppermint may be a good option in moderation. Keep in mind that herbal teas aren’t regulated in Australia. They may contain natural ingredients but it’s best to double-check with a health care provider.
Related: Best pregnancy vitamins recommended by mums
3. Sea sickness bands
Tylah says alternative morning sickness remedies like wearing acupressure bands can be very effective.
“Just from the chemist, you can buy those sea sickness bands that you wear on your wrists,” she says.
They work by putting pressure on an acupressure point on your wrist, which is thought to help ease nausea and vomiting.
4. Reflexology
If you can handle having your feet touched, you could try reflexology. Applying pressure to specific points on your foot is thought to send a message to the corresponding part of the body, hopefully easing morning sickness.
5. Eat often
It might be the last thing you feel like doing when suffering from morning sickness. However keeping your stomach full could help with sickness—snack before bed and first thing in the morning when you wake up. Also, eating smaller meals makes it easier for your body to digest food.
6. Vitamin B6
As mentioned above, a vitamin B6 deficiency is thought to be one of the causes of morning sickness. The next step after ginger, peppermint and acupressure bands is taking vitamin B6, says Tylah.
You could also try a pregnancy vitamin like Elevit Morning Sickness Relief, which contains both ginger and vitamin B6. Read Elevit Morning Sickness Relief reviews from other parents.
7. Talk to your doctor
If none of the above is working and you’re dehydrated and malnourished, it might be time to chat with your doctor.
“You really have to consider weighing up your options,” says Tylah. “Maybe you don’t want to use pharmacological drugs. However, it’s no use to your baby for you to be dehydrated and malnourished.
“So then it’s something that you can discuss with your doctor or midwife. You can work with doses and really figure out what’s going to work best for you.
“But there are so many options out there. You don’t have to jump straight onto medication.”
You aren’t alone
Sure, morning sickness is a normal part of pregnancy, but that doesn’t make it any easier.
“It can be something that can have a large impact on your state of mind and your life,” says Tylah.
If you are struggling with morning sickness, Tylah recommends reaching out and joining a Facebook support group to connect with other women who are going through the same thing as you. You can join Tell Me Baby’s private Facebook group for women who are pregnant or new mums.
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