Morning sickness strikes about three out of four women during their first trimester. It can make a woman nauseous, vomit, or both. Whether it's a mild form or one that's more severe, morning sickness disrupts day-to-day activities and has many women hoping that the second trimester makes a speedy entrance.
The term "morning sickness" isn’t accurate, as most women who have suffered from it can agree. The queasiness often lasts all day and all night, though sometimes it’s worse in the morning because you haven’t eaten all night. Even more challenging, the extreme tiredness that is often the hallmark of the first trimester can make your morning sickness symptoms worse.
Amidst all the advice you've been offered has probably been morning sickness "cures" from your friends, your mom, or online. Here are some new remedies that can curb morning sickness. Don’t expect them all to work, but if you find just a few reliable remedies, it will keep those first few months under control. And keep telling yourself: This is just temporary!
Foods and liquids to try
Citrus. Squirt some lemon or lime into water or tea. Sometimes, a touch of citrus can help quell your stomach and reduce its acid level.
Mint and ginger. Try straining mint leaves or fresh ginger in boiling water or tea to create a warm, soothing remedy. Make a batch, drink some and cool the rest, to be heated up in the microwave when you need to calm your stomach down.
Popsicles. You can make your own using a Popsicle mold, so if you find that ginger-infused water works best, freeze it, then try eating them three times a day. Or try fruit bars in citrus flavors.
Tips: If you're out of your house for much of the day, carry crackers or pretzels in your purse, at your desk, or in the car. Have some pretzels or snacks at your bedside so that you can get something in your stomach immediately upon waking in the morning. And remember to drink plenty of fluids!
Inner peace
Acupuncture points/motion sickness bands. I used motion sickness bands during both of my pregnancies, and they worked well on longer car trips. I’ve used them on plane trips, too, when I knew my seat would be close to an engine and was worried that the constant thrumming would disrupt my stomach even further.
Aromatherapy. Just a sniff of scented lavender may help calm your stomach. Put a small vial in your purse or your bathroom, or keep it in a drawer at work.
Lifestyle changes
Get some rest. This may be difficult, especially if you already have kids. But, the more rest you get, the better you’ll feel. Sleep and relaxation are usually the only things that will help with the extreme exhaustion that many women experience during the first trimester.
Relax and practice deep breathing. This certainly doesn't mean that you have to sit cross-legged on the floor. It just means that some deep, measured breathing allows you some control over your body—even if you're just lying in bed, getting ready to start the day.
Clean house. Does the smell of the coffee that you loved last month now make you sick? Store your coffee maker away. Does the fragrance of your favorite soap send you running for the toilet? Use a scent-free soap for the next few months. Does your older child’s toy give off a horrible strawberry scent? Hide it. Pregnancy often leads to a heightened sense of smell which can contribute to morning sickness. Don't worry, these changes are all just temporary and can help dispel constant queasiness.
When is morning sickness not just morning sickness?
If you’re throwing up so often that you find you can’t keep most foods or liquids down, you may have hyperemesis gravidarum, which can cause dehydration—a dangerous problem for pregnant women. Be sure to let your doctor know if you are having trouble keeping food down or fear you might be becoming dehydrated.
