| For most mothers to be, morning sickness is probably the most common, and sadly the most frequent of pregnancy discomforts. It affects about 50% to 80% of pregnant women, developing around the 5th week and usually ending, in about half the women it affects, about 10 weeks later. Unfortunately, nausea or vomiting during pregnancy (NVP) is not confined to the morning, as its common name implies; it actually may occur at various unexpected times throughout the day. It is important to know which remedies work best for you to relieve the discomforts of NVP any time it may occur.
Morning Sickness
If morning sickness is especially bad for you, one way to ease feeling of nausea is to try eating some plain crackers or dry cereal before getting out of bed. You should also try to wake up slowly, staying in bed long enough for the nausea to settle.
Odor Control
Heat can agitate feelings of nausea, so avoid warm places. A good way to keep fresh air flowing is to leave windows open, or to use exhaust fans to refresh and circulate air. In the kitchen, a good way to control odors that contribute to NVP is by using the microwave more often to heat meals or snacks. Cooking foods in the microwave may emit fewer odors than cooking in the oven or on the stovetop.
Eating Habits
Instead of a few big meals, it may be better for you to eat about 6 smaller meals evenly spread throughout the day. Eating something salty before meals and avoiding greasy or spicy foods may help divert nausea. Another way to keep nausea away after mealtime is by not drinking fluids with your meals.
Also you should try taking your prenatals later in the day. You should ask your doctor about vitamin B6 and ginger supplements that may help ease NVP. In addition, sipping on non-caffeinated drinks like ginger or peppermint teas, or fizzy water with lemon in it, can also help calm nausea. |
