What is Morning sickness?
Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy is common. It can occur any time during the day, even though it’s often called “morning sickness.” Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy usually doesn’t harm the fetus, but it can affect your life.
Nausea usually starts before 9 weeks of pregnancy. For most women, it goes away by 14 weeks of pregnancy. For some women, it lasts for several weeks or months. For a few women, it lasts throughout the pregnancy.
If you are vomiting, you should see care with your OB/GYN soon. Hyperemesis gravidarum is the term for the most severe form of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. Hyperemesis gravidarum occurs in up to 3 percent of pregnancies.
What are natural ways to help with morning sickness and nausea in pregnancy?
- Eat small frequent meals. Going too long without eating during pregnancy can cause nausea or make it worse. If you experience continuous nausea, eat every one to two hours.
- Consume liquids separately from meals, wait about 20-30 minutes after eating to drink water.
- Avoid greasy, high fat foods. These are more difficult to digest.
- Consume dry starchy foods, such as crackers, toast, cereal, etc., in the morning before you get out of bed. Also, it helps if you stay in bed for 20 minutes after eating and get up slowly. Sudden change of position can aggravate nausea.
- Eat plenty of foods rich in carbohydrates, such as whole grain cereal, fruit, rice. These are easy to digest and provide energy.
- Take prenatal vitamins daily. Try taking prenatals at nighttime, or with food.
- Eat a high protein snack before bed to stabilize blood sugar.
- Limit consumption of coffee. It stimulates acid secretion, and this can make nausea worse
Can I take any supplements?
Ginger can help settle your stomach. You can try fresh ginger tea, ginger capsules, candies, ginger ale
Vitamin B6 can also help with nausea. Most women can take 25mg of B6 up to 3 times per day.
Author
Dr. Mia Mowzoon, MD
Dr. Mia Mowzoon is an OB/GYN at North Scottsdale Women's Health. She practices obstetrics and delivers her patients at Honor Health Shea. Known as "Dr Mia" to her patients, she is focused on creating the best possible birthing experience for new mothers. She also specializes in the most up-to-date, minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Dr. Mia Mowzoon was born and raised in the valley, and is a true Scottsdale native. When she’s not delivering babies, she enjoys spin classes, hot yoga, hiking, cooking and trying new restaurants.
