For many pregnant women, morning sickness can feel like all-day nausea. It’s caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy and can affect women differently. Some experience mild symptoms, whereas others may have severe bouts of nausea lasting throughout the day. Morning sickness is most common in the first trimester, but can last longer for some women. Luckily, there are ways to manage and reduce its severity.
Stay Hydrated – Keeping the body hydrated is key to easing symptoms. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Water is a great way to stay hydrated and can help keep morning sickness at bay. The American Pregnancy Association recommends consuming six to eight glasses of fluids daily.
Avoid Trigger Foods – Certain foods can trigger nausea, so it’s helpful to keep track of what causes your symptoms to worsen. Common culprits include heavy, greasy or spicy foods, as well as any foods with strong odors. Eating smaller meals throughout the day can also help to minimize symptoms.
Manage Stress – Stress can have a major impact on body and mind, and can worsen nausea. Taking time to relax and practice stress-relieving activities such as deep breathing and yoga can help manage morning sickness. Massage therapy can also be beneficial for pregnant women.
Eat Ginger – Ginger is a well-known remedy for settling an upset stomach. Studies show that ginger can help to relieve nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Incorporating ginger into your diet can help manage morning sickness symptoms. Choose from ginger tea, crystallized ginger, or powdered ginger.
Pregnant women don’t have to suffer through morning sickness alone. By managing the triggers and educating themselves on how to reduce symptoms, women can make the most of this special time.