Best Natural Cures for Pregnancy Nausea and Morning Sickness
Pregnancy is a time of joy and excitement, but it also comes with many discomforts. One of the most common complaints from pregnant mothers is nausea and morning sickness. This article will outline some natural remedies for this problem, as well as instructions on how to deal with nausea and morning sickness in general.
Why is It Called Morning Sickness?
Morning sickness is so named because it is most commonly experienced in the morning. However, some women experience nausea and morning sickness throughout the day. The cause of morning sickness is not fully understood, but it is thought to be caused by the changes in hormones that occur during pregnancy.
Morning sickness is a common complaint during pregnancy, but it can also be a sign of a more serious problem. If you are experiencing severe nausea and vomiting that does not improve with treatment, you may have hyperemesis gravidarum. This is a condition that affects up to 3% of pregnant women and can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor.
What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition that affects up to 3% of pregnant women. It is characterized by severe nausea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration, weight loss and electrolyte imbalance. If left untreated, hyperemesis gravidarum can be life-threatening for both the mother and the baby. Treatment options include intravenous fluids and nutrition, anti-emetic medications and in some cases, hospitalization.
If you are experiencing severe nausea and vomiting during your pregnancy, it is important to speak to your doctor. Hyperemesis gravidarum can be dangerous for both you and your baby, so it is important to get the proper treatment.
Signs of Dehydration from Morning Sickness
If you are experiencing nausea and vomiting during your pregnancy, it is important to be aware of the signs of dehydration. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, headache, fatigue, lightheadedness, dizziness, decreased urination, and in severe cases, seizures or coma.
You may also notice
- You have less urine that is darker in color
- You are unable to urinate
- You can’t keep down liquids
- You are dizzy or feel faint when standing up
- Your heart is racing
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical help. Dehydration can be dangerous for both you and your baby, so it is important to get the proper treatment.
10 Natural Cures for Morning Sickness
Ginger
One of the most popular and easiest natural cures for nausea and morning sickness is ginger. Ginger is a root that has been used as a food ingredient, spice and medicine for thousands of years. Grab some crystallized ginger from the supermarket or health store. Eat small amounts of it throughout the day, whenever you feel nauseous.
Peppermint Oil
Another popular natural remedy for morning sickness is peppermint oil. Like ginger, it works because it alters the smell and taste of your mouth, which can help stop nausea. Just like crystallized ginger, you can suck on mints or gums throughout the day to relieve nausea. You can also try applying mint oil or menthol to your temples or smelling peppermint or menthol.
Ginger and peppermint are not cures for morning sickness – they merely help to reduce the severity of your nausea. However, there are a number of other natural cures that may work better for you.
Acupressure
Acupressure is a treatment based on traditional Chinese medicine which uses pressure points on specific parts of the body, such as the inner wrist or neck, to relieve discomfort.
Aromatherapy
Another alternative therapy that may help is aromatherapy, which uses different smells and scents to influence your mood. Peppermint oil can be used in this way to reduce nausea.
Frequent, Smaller Meals
Another natural cure for morning sickness is eating smaller meals more frequently. Have a spoonful of yogurt or a piece of toast with your breakfast, a dairy or soft fruit smoothie for a snack and a light dinner. Make sure these meals are spread out through the day so that you don’t feel nauseous all at once. Drinking plenty of fluids can also help keep nausea at bay.
Avoiding Strong Smells
Avoiding strong smells is another natural remedy for morning sickness. This may include smells from cooking, cleaning products or even your partner.
Avoid Spicy Food
Eating spicy food can also trigger nausea, so cutting down on these types of foods may help you feel better.
Glucose Supplements or Fruit Juice
In some cases, morning sickness is experienced by pregnant women as a result of blood sugar fluctuations and dehydration . If this is the case for you, consider taking a glucose supplement when you feel nauseous. You may also want to try drinking fruit juice, which will replenish your body’s fluid levels and reduce the chances of dehydration.
BRATT Diet
The BRATT Diet is a bland food diet that is known to help with nausea and vomiting. It stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast and Tea. These foods are low in fat and easy to digest, which makes them easy on the tummy.
Protein
Add more protein to your meals. Dairy foods like milk, yogurt or even ice cream are good. Nuts, seeds, and nut butters are great and can be added to smoothies or eaten right out of the jar. And protein powders or shakes are always a winner.
Of course, there are various medications that your doctor can prescribe for morning sickness . If you have already discussed treatment options with a pharmacist or family planning clinic , make sure not to use any natural remedies in addition to any medications, as this could interfere with their effectiveness.
There are many natural cures that can help to reduce the severity of morning sickness. Finding the right one for you can be a process of trial and error and involve many days of working with one at a time to figure out if it works for you. You can also combine cures to see if they work in tandem to create the perfect circumstances to give you relief from the discomfort of morning sickness.
However you choose to move forward, be sure to keep an eye out for signs of dehydration and call your OBGYN if you think your morning sickness is at all concerning. Natural cures don’t work for everyone. If they don’t help you feel better, consult with a doctor to see what’s best for your situation.
Katie Reed is a passionate writer and mother of four vivacious boys from Salt Lake City, Utah. Drawing from her own journey through TTC, pregnancy, and the joys of raising children, she offers a wealth of insight into the world of motherhood. Beyond her heartfelt tales, Katie delights her readers with family-friendly recipes, engaging crafts, and a curated library of printables for both kids and adults. When she’s not penning her experiences, you’ll find her crafting memories with her husband and sons—Dexter, Daniel, Chester, and Wilder.
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