The thing that makes morning sickness halfway tolerable during pregnancy is its relatively short timeline. For the 80 percent of expectant moms who suffer through it, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Nausea and vomiting ease up typically once the first trimester is through – leaving moms-to-be feeling healthy and energized. But for some women, their experience with morning sickness pushes past the first trimester and into the second and third. If you’re in the latter camp, here’s what you need to know:
Why me?
Constantly battling a queasy stomach can really color your pregnancy experience. It’s hard to be joyful and look forward to the future when all you want to do is hang your head in the toilet bowl. Scientists don’t know what causes morning sickness, though it’s likely something to do with your raging pregnancy hormones. Just as each of us is as unique and special as a snowflake, our experience with pregnancy symptoms is just as varied. The truth of the matter is, some women will battle through it and others will escape scot-free.
Read more: The diet that promises to squash morning sickness
Natural remedies
By now, you’ve likely tried all the home remedies for morning sickness – but they bear repeating.
- Ginger: Stock up on ginger to soothe your aching belly. Ginger chews, teas and candies are widely available in most groceries.
- Peppermint: Try sipping on peppermint tea in the morning to ease nausea.
- Vitamin B6: Talk to your doctor or midwife about taking a daily vitamin B6 supplement. It may be the key to warding off daily nausea.
- Coke syrup: Opening a can of Coke and letting it go flat before sipping may be beneficial and soothing.
- Diet changes: Your tastes will likely set you in the right direction, encouraging you to eat bland foods and steer away from spicy and fried items.
Medications
This day and age, there’s no reason to go through nine months of feeling bad. When the natural remedies don’t work, your doctor or midwife can prescribe any number of safe medications meant to tame your nausea. There are certain drugs prescribed to take occasionally – and there are others that can be taken daily as a preventative measure. Be sure to talk to your health care provider to find the option that works best for you. Be your own advocate and push for a prescription if you feel it’s what you truly need.
Read more: Does heartburn mean baby will be born with lots of hair?
What’s your experience been like so far? Share your pregnancy journey in the comments below!
Brooke says
Im in the first trimester and im sicker than ever i cant get much sleep because of the nausea i feel like puking all the time my stomach hurts so bad worse then ever at night i dont know what to do 🙁
Aleema says
Dont panic. Morning sickness is really normal during pregnency. Hopefully for some it stops during first trimister but for some it lasts long for the entire pregnency.
A simple tip is have ur healthy breakfast full. Also avoid junck foods. Dont be hungry because of mrng sickness. If its really worse for u try lemon juice with salt.
Candy says
I was one of the unfortunate ones. I was sick the entire pregnancies. All 3. Extreme hyperemesis. Nothing stopped it. I had to be on a machine 24 hours a day to feed me lipids, vitamins and fluids. It was as if my body was allergic to the hcg. Zofran from your dr.may bring you some relief. It didn’t for me, but works fine now if i ever get nauseous. But as soon as baby was born within an hour i was no longer sick. Best of luck and God bless.
Nyankiir says
Candy, we are the unfortunate ones. I was sick all my three pregnancies to the end, then added another two weeks after birth. I have a very bad nausea,too much saliva I have a carry a cup everywhere I go, I am scared to go out or shops.
Amanda says
Yes I’m in second trimester and sick every moment, foods, smells , and even laying the wrong way makes me sick. Im on generic zofran but it does not help, I’m tired of feeling queasy and vomiting. Im afraid to eat, or drink, but my little one is suffering.i was prescribed diglesi, but way out my budget which it was the only pill made me feel like myself again. I can’t wait to have this baby and feel like myself again, any suggestions cause I have 6 months to go.