COPING WITH MORNING SICKNESS: 10 TIPS

Feeling sick those wee hours of the morning? Here are ten tips to keep morning sickness at bay.

About 70% of pregnant women experience morning sickness or nausea, and 50% of these women have symptoms such as vomiting. Morning sickness usually occurs from the sixth week of pregnancy and gets worse during the eighth and ninth weeks. The condition eases up from the 12th to the 14th week of pregnancy but if it doesn't these tips will help cope with it. Let's dive in to them.

1. TAKE A BREATHER

Nurturing a baby can take its toll on your body. On days your morning sickness gets worse, just take a break from all activities. Relax in bed and listen to some 

good music or read a book. If you work, plan a vacation during the seventh and eighth week of your pregnancy when morning sickness gets worse. You'll find the break, no matter how short it is, refreshing for your body and mind.

2. SMELL SOMETHING FRESH

Irritating smells can bring on morning sickness and make you nauseous. The cause of this is estrogen, the hormone which helps us to smell. During pregnancy, your estrogen levels spike, and this heightens your sense of smell. This makes you pick up scents more than the average person. When you get 

a whiff of something that makes your stomach turn, and you can't walk away or get some fresh air, you'll find sniffing on some fresh scents very relieving.

Pro-Tip:

Carry a bottle of lemon extract or rosemary in your handbag so you can sneak a sniff if you smell anything you don't like.

3. STAY HYDRATED

To keep morning sickness at bay, you need to up your water or fluid intake. The reason for this is that the more dehydrated you become, the more nauseous you will be.

Pro-Tip:

You have to trick your body into taking in more fluids. In this case, eating salty snacks like potato chips or cheese curls can make you thirsty. Also, munching on ice chips or sipping on ice cold beverages can trigger thirst.

4. EAT WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

This may be the best tip for beating morning sickness since what you eat usually triggers nausea. Every pregnant woman is different, and what may go down well with one may not with another. So know what foods work for you and stick to them. Usually, unflavoured, carb-rich snacks such as crackers, pretzels and dry cereal work well for women who suffer from morning sickness. Cold foods which

do not have an aroma are also better than hot foods.

Pro-Tips:

• Avoid hot foods since they can make you nauseous.
• Eat lots of chicken soup. It will keep you hydrated, and it's also packed with nutrients and calories.
• Do not starve yourself. When your stomach is empty, the stomach acids feed on the lining in your stomach, which can bring on nausea. In addition, overeating can put too much pressure on your digestive system leading to queasiness.

5. TRY MEDICATION

Medication may be a last resort if nothing seems to be easing up your morning sickness. You need to see your doctor, who will usually advise you take vitamin B6 and Unisom, a sleep aid. These are drugs you can get over-the-counter. If your morning sickness is quite severe, your doctor may also put you on an acid

reflux blocker or a bowel stimulant.

Pro-Tip:

Do not self-medicate since it can be harmful to your baby. Seek your doctor's advice first on what medicine to take to relieve your morning sickness.

6. WEAR AN ACUPRESSURE WRISTBAND

Strapping on an acupressure wristband can bring you some relief from morning sickness. These wristbands apply pressure on a part inside your wrist that is associated with nausea and vomiting (so it is believed!). However, acupressure 

wristbands are holistic remedies and do not work for every pregnant woman.

Buy Acupressure Wristbands

7. GET DISTRACTED

Engaging in activities to take your mind off your morning sickness can also help you cope with it. So read a book, exercise, go for a walk or do a crossword puzzle. However, do not ignore your symptoms.  See your doctor if your nausea 

is getting worse.

Pro-Tip:

Do also talk over your condition with your partner. It can help you get over all the distress. Besides, it can help your partner to be more supportive. For instance, he may not know how his after-shave makes you feel nauseous until you tell him.

8. SLEEP IT OFF

Sometimes, the solution to your morning sickness can be as simple as having some shut-eye. When your symptoms set in, just lie down, close your eyes, 

 

breath deeply and rest. If you have other kids, get your spouse or partner or a trusted friend or relative to babysit them so you can catch some ZZZs.

9. EAT GINGER

Ginger is good for soothing the stomach, and most pregnant women have touted its ability to relieve morning sickness. Find some yummy ways to eat 

ginger. Drink some ginger ale or ginger tea, slice up some ginger and add to some hot water. You can also nibble on some ginger candy, gingerbread or gingersnaps, make some soup from the root or pour some ginger jam on some vanilla ice cream. Sounds yummy, right?

10. HAVE SOME ESSENTIALS HANDY

With morning sickness, you have to be prepared at all times. Carry with you some essentials anytime you are out of the house. Stuff a survival kit with items such as vomit bags, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash and some breath mints to freshen your breath. And keep this kit handy for those awkward moments.

Pro-Tip:

Do also stuff your bag with something you can snack on. Hunger can worsen your morning sickness, remember?

 

Disclaimer: The information shared by this post is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to be professional medical advice nor a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your physician concerning anything you have read here. 

 

By Nana Ama Afoa Osae I Writer I GreatWonderful Team

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