Pregnancy is the happiest moment in a woman’s life. Her life turns upside down after seeing two positive lines on the home pregnancy test kit. It’s true pregnancy is amazing but it comes with strings attached. Just as glowing and smiling, nausea and vomiting are also a part of this beautiful journey. However, no need to worry, with the help of simple tips you can reduce pregnancy nausea.
Why Does Morning Sickness Occur during Pregnancy?
The exact reason for morning sickness is still unknown. Hormonal fluctuations are the major contributor to morning sickness. The variations in levels of HCG and Estrogen hormones change pregnant women’s sense of smell and taste, leading to nausea. Pregnancy symptoms may vary from person to person as some women vomit frequently while some feel only nauseous.
Below are some other reasons for morning sickness
- Moderate sugar level
- Gestating twins or multiples
- Stress
- Travelling
- Age
- Pregnancy complications
- First-time pregnancy
- Hot weather
- Excessive Saliva
- Genetics
How Long Will It Last?
Morning sickness occurs around the fifth or sixth week of pregnancy and lasts up to three months. The symptoms will decrease gradually around the beginning of the second trimester. However, in certain pregnancies, the sickness lasts throughout the pregnancy. Follow these tips to reduce pregnancy nausea.
Morning Sickness Relief Tips
1. Mind Your Food
Do not skip your regular meals instead, divide them into small portions and eat often. Avoiding meals won’t reduce nausea and vomiting but it can worsen the symptoms. Here are some foods to combat pregnancy nausea.
Eating saltine crackers, wheat bread, or cereals often will help reduce pregnancy nausea. The strong aroma of ginger can work as the best natural remedy for pregnancy nausea and soothe your stomach. Ginger is one of the strongest nausea medicines for pregnancy. You can consume ginger in the form of tea, candy or even chutney. Sour treats, refreshing mints, and drinking plenty of water and juice can help reduce nausea during pregnancy.
2. Exercise
Exercising during pregnancy promotes heart health and reduces back pain. Besides keeping you healthy, it strengthens blood vessels and relieves constipation. Workouts can reduce the risk of gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, preterm birth etc. Walking, swimming, yoga and pilates are some of the best exercises during regularly.
3. Enjoy the Distraction
Distract yourself by reading books, writing journals, and solving puzzles or sudoku. Doing small activities and picking up a hobby can help combat pregnancy nausea. Try something you enjoy, listen to your favourite music, or watch movies or series. Talk to your friends, relatives or colleagues If you have any doubts related to pregnancy.
4. Refreshing Smell
Find out which smell can work out for you. Smelling the refreshing scent of mint leaf, orange, cinnamon or lemon helps reduce pregnancy nausea. Else take a cotton ball dip it in scented oil and inhale whenever you feel nauseous. Try ginger or peppermint candies to diver your nose, it also help reduce nausea. Lavender, rose, and chamomile are some softer fragrances that could help.
5. Medicine
Consuming vitamin B6 pills may help reduce pregnancy nausea. Avoid self-medication during pregnancy. Don’t skip any medicines prescribed by your healthcare provider. Ask your healthcare provider for safe medications for nausea during pregnancy.
6. Acupressure & Other Techniques
Acupressure might help combat pregnancy nausea. Anti-nausea wristbands are designed to alleviate nausea, the button on the wristband gives acupressure to relieve pregnancy nausea. Considering the safety of pregnant women it is advised to consult with the healthcare provider before trying one.
7. Rest
Getting enough sleep and rest reduces pregnancy complications. Close your eyes, lie down, take a deep breath and get some rest. During this time your body needs rest.
Things to Avoid during Pregnancy
- Avoid eating oily, spicy, greasy foods, and highly sweetened foods. Plus it’s not the right time to try a new recipe either.
- Avoid lying down after the food, and take a short walk before you sleep.
- If you don’t like meat smell or any strong smell try to avoid it.
Bottom line
Morning sickness is a common occurrence during pregnancy. By following simple tips and tricks you can reduce nausea. If you feel sick even after following these remedies, don’t get nervous, ask your doctor’s advice. They will prescribe medications and teach you some exercises to do during the pregnancy.
