Expert Tips for Managing Morning Sickness Naturally During Your First Trimester of Pregnancy in Reading, PA
- Ashlie Bradley
- 1 hour ago
- 5 min read
The first trimester can be a beautiful, exciting time… but if you’re being honest, it can also feel incredibly hard.
Many moms in the Reading, PA area experiencing their first trimester pregnancy quickly realize that morning sickness isn’t always just a little nausea in the morning. For some women, it’s waves of queasiness that last all day, making even the thought of food overwhelming.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
To help bring some clarity and support, I recently spoke with Nurse Practitioner Jemika Sivak, who specializes in functional medicine. She shared practical insight into why morning sickness happens and gentle ways moms can support their bodies during early pregnancy.
If you’re navigating pregnancy during your first trimester in Reading, PA, these tips may help you feel a little more supported during this important season.
What Is Functional Medicine and Why Does It Matter During Pregnancy?
According to Jemika, functional medicine combines the best of three approaches:
• Traditional medicine
• Holistic medicine
• Health optimization
She describes it as a triangle where all three work together to help patients achieve better long-term health outcomes.
For pregnancy, this means supporting the body instead of simply reacting to symptoms.
Rather than pushing aggressive treatments immediately, functional medicine often looks at nutrition, lifestyle, stress levels, and overall body balance to help support mom and baby.
Why Does Morning Sickness Happen?
Morning sickness is incredibly common during the first trimester of pregnancy, but surprisingly, researchers are still learning exactly why it happens.
One theory involves a hormone called GDF15, which is released while the placenta develops. This hormone signals the brain in ways that can trigger nausea and vomiting.
Other hormones also play a role, including:
• HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
• Estrogen
As these hormone levels rise, many women experience nausea, food aversions, and fatigue.
Why Some Moms Feel Worse Than Others
One of the biggest questions moms ask during their Reading PA first trimester of pregnancy is:
Why do some women feel mildly nauseous while others feel sick all day?
Jemika explains that several factors can influence how severe symptoms become:
• Hormone levels
• Whether you’re carrying multiples
• Metabolic health
• Endocrine balance
• Nutritional status
When the body isn’t well supported nutritionally or physically, symptoms can become more intense.
When Food Sounds Impossible: Where Should Moms Start?
When nausea is at its worst, even the idea of eating can feel overwhelming.
One surprising tip Jemika often suggests is gentle movement.
Even something simple like a 20-minute brisk walk can help:
• Stimulate metabolism
• Improve digestion
• Increase circulation
• Encourage appetite
This small shift can sometimes help reduce nausea and improve energy levels.
However, if symptoms become severe, especially with conditions like Hyperemesis Gravidarum, which involves extreme vomiting, medical support is essential. In those cases, working closely with a healthcare provider is critical for the safety of both mom and baby.
Foods That Can Help Calm Morning Sickness
Some foods and natural remedies may help soothe nausea during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Jemika often recommends:
Ginger
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to calm the digestive system.
Vitamin B6–rich foods, including:
• Beef
• Fish
• Potatoes
• Starchy vegetables
• Non-citrus fruits
Lemon and peppermint, which can help suppress nausea.
Even small amounts can make a difference.
Foods That May Make Morning Sickness Worse
Certain foods can irritate the digestive system and make nausea worse, including:
• Greasy or fatty foods
• Spicy foods
• Sugary snacks
• Excess caffeine
• High-fiber foods for some women
That said, Jemika reminds moms that survival mode is real during pregnancy.
If greasy pizza is the only thing you can stomach that day, eat it. The goal is nourishment and keeping your body supported.
Why Protein Can Help Reduce Nausea
Protein plays a powerful role in stabilizing the body during early pregnancy.
It helps by:
• Stabilizing blood sugar levels
• Slowing digestion
• Reducing sudden waves of nausea
Compared to simple carbohydrates, protein provides longer-lasting energy and may help regulate nausea-related hormones.
Natural Remedies Many Moms Find Helpful
Many natural options can provide gentle relief during the first trimester.
Some of the most helpful include:
• Ginger tea or ginger chews
• Lemon water
• Peppermint tea
• Aromatherapy using peppermint or ginger essential oils
Even smelling peppermint oil or applying it to the neck or belly can sometimes help calm nausea waves.
What About Supplements?
One of the most commonly recommended supplements for morning sickness is Vitamin B6.
It helps regulate brain receptors connected to digestion and nausea.
There’s also a medication called Diclegis, which combines:
• Vitamin B6
• Doxylamine (an antihistamine)
This combination can help reduce vomiting and nausea when natural remedies aren't enough. However, Jemika emphasizes that supplements and medications should always be discussed with a healthcare provider.
How Sleep, Stress, and Hydration Affect Morning Sickness
Pregnancy places enormous demands on the body.
When a mom is:
• Dehydrated
• Nutritionally depleted
• Sleep deprived
• Highly stressed
…the body can become inflamed, which may worsen nausea symptoms.
Hydration and rest may seem simple, but they are powerful tools for helping the body maintain homeostasis, or internal balance.
A Gentle Morning Routine to Try
If you wake up already feeling nauseous, Jemika recommends a practice called grounding.
This involves slow breathing:
Inhale deeply through the nose
Exhale slowly through the mouth
Repeat several times
This oxygenates the bloodstream and can help the body move into a more balanced state.
Adding peppermint oil to your hands while breathing can also enhance the calming effect.
A Message for Moms Who Are Struggling
One of the most powerful messages Jemika shared was this:
Pregnancy is incredible, but it is also incredibly demanding on the body.
If you’re struggling, it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. It simply means your body may need more support.
You are growing an entirely new human life, and that is no small task.
Trust Your Instincts and Advocate for Yourself
If something feels wrong during pregnancy, trust that instinct.
Seek guidance from a provider who truly listens to you and supports your concerns. Your health, and your baby’s health, are always worth advocating for.
If You Try Only Two Things This Week…
Jemika suggests starting with these simple habits:
1. Be intentional.
Track what helps, what doesn’t, and how your body responds.
2. Hydrate.
It may sound simple, but hydration is one of the most important things for both mom and baby.
Final Thoughts for Moms Experiencing Morning Sickness During Their First Trimester of Pregnancy in Reading, PA
If you're currently navigating your first trimester pregnancy in Reading PA, remember that every pregnancy journey is unique.
Some days will feel easier than others, and that’s okay.
Give yourself grace, listen to your body, and seek support when you need it. You’re doing something truly incredible.
You can find Jemika at www.jemcollectiveglo.com
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