The first trimester of pregnancy brings an array of new experiences. You’re excited, exhausted, dealing with mood swings, and then there's the dreaded morning sickness—or, for some of us, all-day sickness. It can strike out of nowhere and turn what should be a joyful time into a daily challenge.
If you’re an expectant mom in Reading, PA, and nausea has become your unwelcome companion, don’t worry! Here are some natural remedies to help you combat those queasy moments and get back to enjoying your pregnancy.
Avoid Triggers
Avoiding triggers can be easier said than done, especially if the trigger is a smell from an uncontrollable source, like a coworker’s lunch heating up in the office microwave. In such cases, try eating lunch in a different area of the office or even in your car (not ideal, but it works).
If a trigger is a certain food, cut it out until you can stomach it again. During my pregnancy with my daughter, I couldn't have liquids like water or juice in the morning before eating something solid. Yogurt was also off the table for me, so it was a food I unfortunately had to remove from my diet until after pregnancy.
Eat and Drink More Often
When you start to feel nausea coming on, try eating small portions of bland, easy-to-digest foods. Toast, crackers, trail mix, and applesauce are good options. I used to carry protein oat balls to snack on frequently. Avoid spicy or fatty foods, as they are more likely to upset your stomach.
Sip liquids instead of chugging them to help keep them down and keep you hydrated. Obviously, drinking plenty of water is essential, but broth is another good option if you’re having trouble keeping down solid foods.
Ginger Is Your Friend
Ginger is one of the best natural remedies for nausea. You can sip ginger tea, suck on a ginger lollipop, or chew on a piece of crystallized ginger when you start to feel a little woozy.
Smell or Chew Mint
Keep a mint-scented lip balm or essential oil in your handbag to use when you encounter unpleasant scents. Chewing fresh mint or mint-flavored gum can also help you feel less nauseated and more relaxed.
Take Vitamin B6
This essential vitamin has been shown to help ease nausea and vomiting, according to the ACOG. It’s also easily found in pharmacies and grocery stores.
While it may already be present in your prenatal vitamin, taking an additional B6 supplement can be effective in reducing symptoms. Dr. Hakakha recommends, “Try 25 milligrams of vitamin B6 three times a day, in addition to your prenatal vitamins.”
Try Acupuncture or Acupressure
Acupuncture is another natural remedy you can try when all else fails. This method involves a specialist using tiny needles to hit pressure points. I recommend The Restorative Center in Reading, PA.
Alternatively, you can try a Sea Band, a stretchy band that applies light pressure to your wrist.
Get Plenty of Rest
When you have the time to rest, make sure you do. There’s no shame in napping—growing a baby is exhausting! Getting plenty of rest can help reduce some nausea symptoms.
To Sum Up
Avoid triggers when you can, stay hydrated, eat more frequently, avoid certain foods, take your prenatal and B6 supplements, and utilize acupressure or acupuncture if needed. And, of course, REST!
This season in your pregnancy is tough, but in the end, it’s all worth it when you meet the most perfect little baby you’ve ever seen.
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