Morning sickness may occur at any time of day and can last all day. It is a common symptom of early pregnancy and can begin as early as the first missed period but usually starts during the fifth and sixth week of pregnancy and persists until the 14th or 16th week. For some women morning sickness continues throughout the entire pregnancy. Hyperemesis gravidarum is the name given to more serious cases. Although the exact cause remains unknown, one thought is that it is the digestive system reacting to the HCG pregnancy hormone. Naturopaths believe the severity of morning sickness reflects the health of the maternal liver. Persistent, severe vomiting needs medical attention.
- Dry foods chewed slowly are thought to help allay feelings of nausea. Try eating rolled oats or whole grain ginger biscuits upon waking.
- Morning sickness is often linked to a low blood sugar level. Eating small snacks frequently may help maintain blood sugar levels.
- Carry small snacks with you such as dried fruit, fresh fruit, nuts, dry biscuits or a cereal mix.
- Avoid strong smells that may make you queasy.
- Drinking hot water with a squeeze of fresh lemon promotes a balanced alkaline system.
- Try sipping plain broths, clear soup or barley water.
- Maintain a high protein intake.
- Root ginger tea: Simmer two teaspoons of grated ginger in a saucepan for five minutes, remove from heat and strain. Add honey to taste and juice of a half a lemon. Drink warm or cold as desired. There is a thought that too much ginger in the last month of pregnancy can cause colic in your baby, possibly due to a withdrawal effect.
- Chammomile tea can settle the stomach and relax the nerves.
- Try peppermint tea, either warm or alternatively as a cooled, refreshing summer drink.
- Drink raspberry leaf tea (also available in tablet form).
- Avoid greasy and fatty foods as these can aggravate the digestive system.
- Avoid coffee and orange juice as they are acidic and place pressure on the liver.
- Yeast supplements and yeast products are thought to exacerbate morning sickness.
- Try two drops of either peppermint or ginger essential oils on a tissue to inhale.
- Deep breathing may help by opening the diaphragm and allowing better liver and gall bladder function. Massage under the base of the ribcage to relief pressure.
- A small protein snack late at night can help low blood sugar in the morning.
- Rise slowly when getting out of bed.
- A short brisk walk everyday helps.
- Eating fennel seed can balance the digestive tract.
- Avoid stress and fatigue.
- If you have been vomiting, be sure to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.
- Vitamin B6 is known to help.
- Self help acupressure point Pericardum 6.
- Use Crab Apple Bach Flower Remedy.