Discomfort During Pregnancy: Morning Sickness

During the first three or four months of pregnancy, you may experience nausea and vomiting. This is called morning sickness, although it can happen at any time of the day. Certain foods and smells might set it off without a moment’s notice.

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You may be feeling miserably sick, but don’t worry! Morning sickness is perfectly normal. It is your body’s way of adjusting to the hormones released during pregnancy.

Here are some things you can try on your own to ease your nausea and vomiting. Your doctor may be able to suggest some other ways that you can minimize your symptoms. Always consult your doctor, midwife or nurse if you have a weight loss of more than two pounds due to morning sickness.

• Try to eat a small snack at bedtime and again during the night if you get up to go to the bathroom.
  
• Keep some soda crackers by your bed to eat about 20 to 30 minutes before you get up in the morning.
  
• Try taking your vitamin at the time of day that you feel least nauseous. If you just can’t keep it down, stop taking your vitamin for a day or two and then try again.
  
• Since large meals can increase your morning sickness symptoms, eat small meals or snacks about every two hours during the day. Don’t just eat crackers! Your baby and you need a healthy diet that includes high-protein foods. Here are some protein suggestions: yogurt; cottage cheese; cheese; peanut butter on whole wheat bread or toast, or spread on apple slices or celery; small quantities of nuts; a half or quarter sandwich made with tuna, or sliced turkey or chicken.
  
• Avoid foods that are high in fat, since they can increase digestive problems. They are usually low in nutrition, too.
  
• Avoid fried, spicy or acidic foods, which can also trigger a bout of morning sickness.
  
• Try to stick to a bland diet of foods that appeal to you until your symptoms pass.
  
• Iron can sometimes be hard on your digestive tract, so cut back until you’re feeling better. Ask your doctor if you can wait to take iron supplements until your second trimester (fourth through sixth month).
  
• Studies have shown that Vitamin B6 may also provide some relief from the nausea and vomiting of morning sickness. Try a 50 mg dose of Vitamin B6 twice a day can be helpful, but definitely talk with your doctor about the proper dose to take, since too much of this vitamin can cause neurological problems.
  
• Acupressure, the Chinese medical remedy, can offer a decrease in nausea and vomiting with no side effects. The over-the-counter product, Sea-Bands, will apply pressure to an acupressure spot on your wrist that can diminish your symptoms. This acupressure band costs about $10 and is available in many drug stores, as well as some sporting goods stores.
  
• ReliefBand is a new device, which relieves morning sickness symptoms by emitting a low-level electric current to the nervous system. Ask your doctor about this option, since it is available by prescription only.
  
• Aroma therapists suggest that you sniff a cut lemon can help stop nausea.
  
• Ginger ale or ginger tea may also be helpful, since ginger is known to settle the stomach. 
  
• Get up slowly. Sudden movements can sometimes trigger nausea.