Introduction
It’s not uncommon for women to experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. In fact, up to 80 percent of women deal with some degree of vomiting during pregnancy. The severity and duration of symptoms vary, and they can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Vomiting and nausea can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and fatigue, making it essential to get relief. Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate the situation and improve your quality of life.
5 Natural Remedies to Relieve Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy
Natural remedies can provide relief for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Here are five remedies that can help:
Ginger
Ginger has proven to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting. You can drink ginger tea, suck ginger candy, or add fresh ginger to your meals. Make sure that supplements and ginger ale should have a minimum quantity of ginger to be effective. Alternatively, you can taste some raw ginger or take ginger supplements.
Acupressure
Acupressure can help relieve nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Wear seasick bands or acupressure bracelets on your wrists or apply gentle pressure to the P6 pressure point. This pressure point is located three finger-widths below the wrist on the inside of the arm.
Peppermint
Many have found that peppermint reduces nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. You can drink peppermint tea, chewing peppermint gum, smelling fresh peppermint, or adding peppermint oil to a diffuser.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy activates the brain’s limbic system, reducing nausea and vomiting. Try inhaling essential oils like lavender, lemon, or spearmint. You can use a diffuser or even add a few drops of oils to a handkerchief or tissue to sniff throughout the day.
Lemons
Lemons can soothe morning sickness symptoms. Sniffing a lemon or drinking a glass of cold lemon juice can provide relief. To add lemon to your diet, grate lemon zest on salads, or drink warm lemon water.
10 Foods to Eat and Avoid When You’re Constantly Vomiting During Pregnancy
What you eat or drink during pregnancy affects your overall health, particularly if you are frequently vomiting. Here are some foods and drinks that can help:
Foods to Eat
Have bland, dry carbs, like crackers, plain toast, and cereals that help in reducing nausea. Have foods with high levels of vitamin B6, such as wheat germ, banana, nuts, whole grains, seeds, and soy products. Some fruits such as grapefruit, oranges, pineapples, papayas, and strawberries are a good source of folic acid which diminishes the risk of nausea during pregnancy
Foods to Avoid
Steer clear of heavy, greasy, oily, or fried foods, caffeine, highly acidic, or spicy foods. Avoid strong odours, and make sure the food is adequately cooked before consuming it. Also, stay away from artificial sweeteners, as well as processed foods or anything highly seasoned.
The Dos and Don’ts of Managing Vomiting During Pregnancy
Here are the things to do and avoid to help you cope with vomiting and nausea during pregnancy:
Do
- Eat smaller and more frequent meals instead of three main meals.
- Stay hydrated by drinking enough water.
- Rest and avoid exerting energy extensively.
- Avoid unrealistic travel or prolonged sitting.
- Consume foods that contain high amounts of Vitamin B6
Don’ts
- Avoid strong odours, highly seasoned, acidic or spicy food, and oily/greasy items.
- Avoid consuming caffeine, alcohol, and other diuretics that can make you dehydrated.
- Do not have long gaps between meals; this can trigger nausea.
The Relationship Between Morning Sickness and Vomiting in Pregnancy
Though the terms vomiting and morning sickness are often used interchangeably, they don’t mean the same thing. Nausea, vomiting, or both are part of morning sickness, which occurs during pregnancy’s early stages. Nausea can start 24/7, morning or evening, but the symptoms fade as the pregnancy progresses.
Avoid factors that could aggravate the symptoms: avoid strong smells, consume plain foods without strong odours, avoid coffee, and drink plenty of fluids.
Coping with Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Tips and Strategies
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe and rare pregnancy illness affecting roughly 1 percent of all expecting mothers. Symptoms include severe vomiting, dehydration and weight loss. Here are some tips and strategies:
Prescription Medication
If natural remedies alone don’t work, talk to your doctor about prescription medication. Vitamin B6 or Diclectin can be prescribed to help alleviate symptoms.
Making Dietary Changes
It is essential to avoid oily, greasy, and spicy foods and caffeine. Stick to dry carbohydrates such as crackers, plain toast, and cereals.
Hospitalization
If the condition is severe, hospitalization may be required to prevent dehydration, weight loss, and severe complication
Conclusion
While vomiting and nausea are a natural part of pregnancy for many, you don’t just have to grin and bear it. Incorporating natural remedies, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications can make a significant difference in your overall experience. Take heart in the fact that things will get better as you progress in your pregnancy.
