Nausea and morning sickness during pregnancy are some of the most common symptoms that women experience. You’re not alone if morning sickness has you feeling a little under the weather. In fact, about 70% of pregnant women get morning sickness.
This article discusses five natural remedies for morning sickness during pregnancy that have been shown to be safe and effective.
Ginger
Firstly, ginger has been used in a medicinal capacity for many many years. It is used to ease morning sickness, motion sickness, as well as cancer-related nausea. Research suggests that ginger may help settle an upset stomach in pregnant women experiencing morning sickness.
Ginger comes in many forms such as:
- Ginger tea
- Ginger chews
- Ginger lollipops
- Ginger ale
- Natural form
- Supplements
Moms to be can take ginger supplements three to four times daily after consulting with their health care provider.
Eat Smaller and More Frequent Meals
Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce morning sickness. It’s important to make sure that you’re not eating too little during the day and making up for it by overeating in one sitting later on. This will only further upset your stomach allowing your blood sugar to drop.
Eat slowly and mindfully, adding nutrients into the body. Although you may feel the temptation to skip meals because of the nausea, remember you are eating for two. Try eating foods without additives and that are easy on the stomach
Some ideas are:
- Fruit
- cooked sweet potatoes
- smoothies
- rice
- non-processed carbohydrates
Peppermint Aromatherapy
Another natural remedy for morning sickness is peppermint aromatherapy. Studies show that it can help reduce not only nausea during pregnancy but in women who have just given birth via C-section as well. Moreover, peppermint oil is thought to help ease morning sickness by stimulating the digestive system and calming the nervous system.
Try dotting your peppermint essential oil onto these parts of the body:
- Wrist
- Temples
- Under the nose
- Neck
- Back
- Upper chest area
Vitamin B6 & Magnesium
Additionally, some healthy vitamins and supplements that are known to help with morning sickness and nausea are vitamin B6 and magnesium. Vitamin B, as well as magnesium, can be found in many prenatal vitamins or supplements.
Eating more protein-rich foods like:
- Meats
- Fish
- Poultry
- Avocado
- Bananas
- Pistachios
- Sunflower seeds
Magnesium can be taken in supplements, topically with magnesium spray, as well as mixed in a bath with Epsom salts.
Avoid Strong Smells
Lastly, and maybe a bit obvious, is avoiding strong smells that may trigger nausea. Many pregnant women experience heightened senses like smell, which you can blame on your pregnancy hormones. Due to our estrogen levels being so high, any small scent that passes our nostrils can seem like an all-out assault on our noses.
Try avoiding these items:
- Cigarette smoke
- Perfumes
- Chemicals in cleaners
- Strongly scented foods
- Candles
If You are Experiencing Morning Sickness
If morning sickness and nausea are a problem for you during pregnancy, there are many natural and at-home remedies that can help. Many women experience it and in most cases, it goes away by week 14. However, if the nausea is severe, you may want to consult with your health care provider.
If you are looking for or have any questions about pregnancy, birth, and family planning contact Midwife 360. We not only provide holistic gynecology but pregnancy services, which include home birth and water birth to women throughout South Florida. We are here to assist you as well as educate you every step of the way.
