Whether you’re in your first trimester or your third, morning sickness might be a recurring issue for you. Not all women experience the stomach-churning effects of pregnancy-induced nausea, but for those who do, it’s one of the worst parts of being pregnant. However, there are many ways to reduce the symptoms of morning sickness and make yourself feel better even on your worst days during pregnancy. The best part is that many of these remedies are all-natural, so they’re safe for your baby. After consulting with a doctor, try a few of these top 10 natural tips to relieve nausea.
1. Brew an herbal tea
There are several varieties of herbal tea that can help soothe the effects of morning sickness and reduce your feelings of nausea. Sip herbal teas made with chamomile, lemon balm and peppermint. (Avoid peppermint if you have heartburn, though.) Other mint teas can also help reduce your gag reflex. Red raspberry-leaf tea can also help ease your symptoms.
2. Stock up on fennel seeds
Chinese folk medicine has relied on fennel seeds as an anti-nausea remedy for centuries. Whether you crush a tablespoon and steep them in boiling water to make tea or chew on a handful whenever you’re feeling queasy, this might help reduce your urge to purge.
3. Try ginger
Whether it’s ginger candies, flat ginger ale, ginger tea or a bit of raw ginger that you have on hand, this root has ingredients called gingerols and shogaols that relax the intestinal tract, which can relieve nausea and vomiting. Just be sure to ask your doctor beforehand how often you should be eating ginger because some experts caution that you can have too much during a pregnancy.
4. Take vitamin B6 supplements
Ask your doctor if taking B6 supplements might help your symptoms. Taking 10 to 25 milligrams three times a day can help reduce your feelings of nausea. Just don’t exceed 75 milligrams of the vitamin each day.
5. Keep an herb satchel on hand
Sometimes it’s certain smells that can make you start feeling nauseous. While avoiding them is your best bet, it can help to carry around a satchel of pleasant-smelling herbs to sniff when you come across something unsavory. Lavender and thyme are two good choices, as they not only smell good, but are known to have soothing, relaxing aromatic qualities.
6. Stay hydrated
Being dehydrated can make nausea worse, and if you’re throwing up a lot, it can be hard to get enough liquids. Drink tea and water as often as possible. If your urine is clear, then you’ll know you’re getting enough. If regular water isn’t doing it for you, adding a slice of orange, lemon or lime can make it more appetizing and also ease your nausea.
7. Arm yourself with crackers
Bland crackers like Saltines can be a pregnant woman’s best friend when she’s battling morning sickness. Keep a stash handy for emergencies, and consider eating a few crackers before you get out of bed in the morning if that’s when you normally experience the gut-churning sensation.
8. Avoid eating big meals
Instead of three meals a day, you should aim to eat five or six smaller meals, which are easier for your stomach to digest and much more likely to keep down. This can not only help with morning sickness, but it can reduce heartburn as well.
9. Buy fruit popsicles
If you’re throwing up a lot, you’re losing nutrients that your body needs. Fruit popsicles can help you regain some of these nutrients and sugars that you’re sacrificing to the toilet, and then can help hydrate you, too. Try to pick the most natural variety in the store.
10. Change your diet
You may have to alter your eating habits a bit to avoid triggers that set your stomach turning. Fried, fatty, greasy, spicy and rich foods are often the worst offenders, so stick to a blander diet.
Morning sickness is no fun. Here’s a free download on things you do to stop morning sickness before it starts, or at least help lessen its effects.
