Tips for Morning Sickness
Tips for morning sickness? Well, don’t be fooled by the name. The dreaded nausea and vomiting is usually the first sign of pregnancy and isn’t limited to the morning hours. The increase in hormones that are flowing through your body is mostly to blame for this torturous feeling. On the bright side, some doctors view morning sickness as a sign that the placenta is developing as it should. Don’t be alarmed. The absence of morning sickness doesn’t mean something is wrong. It just means you are one lucky mom-to-be.
The bad news, this morning sickness usually makes its debut around the 6th week. The good news, morning sickness usually subsides around the end of the first trimester (week 12). Still, that can make for a long 6 weeks (or longer for some…so sorry). Here are some tips for morning sickness and surviving the urge to purge.
Tips for Morning Sickness...Do
- Keep a stash of dry crackers on your nightstand. Munch on few when you wake up and give yourself 15 extra minutes before you roll out of bed. They also can also aid in comfort when nausea wakes you in the wee hours of the night.
- Try a snack high in protein before you hit the sack (PB and crackers). This should help stabilize our sugar levels. Remember, you’re suppose to eat protein with every meal/snack, but just in case your “baby brain” forgot.
- Eat numerous small meals during the day to avoid an empty stomach…which can trigger nausea. This also helps avoid eating too much at one sitting which can also be a trigger. During pregnancy, the speed of digestion slows thanks to the hormone, progesterone. Our bodies just can’t handle the same amount of food it could pre-pregnancy.
- Try sipping on ginger tea, or ginger ale (check to make sure it’s made with real ginger). You can always shave some fresh ginger into a hot cup of water.
- Some people swear by peppermint (or just mint) in tea, candy or aromatherapy. It can help with indigestion and heartburn too…bonus!
- Keep your meals simple (in other words, bland). Spicy, fatty and greasy food is just asking for it. This will also help you avoid strong smells which will make your nausea worse.
- If you can, have someone else do the cooking. Again, our sniffer is much more sensitive these days. So, throw that apron on your husband and throw your feet up on the couch!
- If that’s not an option, turn on the fans, open the windows, plug your nose, anything to help with those smells.
- At night, cracking the window a couple inches can help. Stale air can trigger nausea so anything you can do to keep the air circulating is worth a try.
- Do sip on small amounts of fluid (coffee doesn’t count!) to avoid dehydration. Coffee actually encourages dehydration so stick with non-caffeinated beverages. I read that sipping on ice water when you feel the urge to vomit helps keep it down.
- Eat salty potato chips. I recently read that this could aid in relief. I haven’t tried it but I bet you are willing to try anything at this point…let me know if it works.
- Plenty of rest will definitely help. Nausea and vomiting is exhausting so don’t be afraid to take a nap in the middle of the day.
- Last, but not least (should’ve been first), EXERCISE! Again, I know that first trimester leaves you low on energy. However, moderate exercise has proven to give tremendous relief and is one of the most effective tips for morning sickness.
Tips for Morning Sickness...Don't
- I know your are tired, but don’t lie down after a meal. Give yourself 30 minutes to digest and then you can prop you feet up.
- Never ever skip meals. In fact, try to eat every 2-3 hours. An empty stomach is a sure fire way to upset your stomach.
- I know, I love Mexican food too, but you’re going to have to give it up (along with all other spicy foods) until you and “morning” sickness part ways.
- Don’t drink fluids with your meals. Try sipping on water 30 minutes before a meal (and throughout the day) to avoid dehydration.
- Don’t let yourself get too hot. This can definitely trigger nausea. So, give your husband a sweatshirt and turn the air up (or the heat down).
Nothing working? Try these tricks and tips for morning sickness that have worked for other moms-to-be!
When is Enough, Enough?
“Morning” sickness is definitely an irritation but it can also become a health concern. The act of vomiting is not harmful the baby. However, dehydration, weight loss and electrolyte imbalance is the main concern. Contact your doctor if…
- You are vomiting more than two times a day
- Excessive nausea and/or vomiting are not enabling you to keep any fluid and food down
- If pain or fever accompanies the vomiting and nausea
- If morning sickness follows your right into your second trimester, it isn’t a bad idea to mention it to your doctor. While there probably isn’t anything wrong, he or she might be able to prescribe you something for a little relief.
Remember, always consult your physician before your take any medication.
More Interesting Pages!
Pregnancy Diet Fit-2-Deliver
Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
Caffeine Allowance
Pregnancy Contraindications and Exercise
Pregnancy Workouts
Don’t stop now! Third Trimester Exercise
Leave Tips for Morning Sickness for Real Moms Real Fit home page
|
