Natural Morning Sickness Remedies
Morning sickness is a common symptom of early pregnancy, affecting up to 80 percent of pregnant women. It can range from mild nausea to severe vomiting and can be quite uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are natural morning sickness remedies that can help alleviate symptoms and even prevent it from occurring in the first place.
Dietary changes such as eating small, frequent meals and avoiding triggers like strong smells can make a big difference. Natural remedies such as ginger tea, peppermint tea, or acupressure wristbands may also provide relief. Always talk to your doctor before trying any new products or remedies to ensure they are safe for you and your baby. With the right combination of lifestyle changes and natural treatments, you can find relief from morning sickness without resorting to medications.
Struggle no more with morning sickness! Take a look at our list of 10 natural, easy-to-follow remedies that can make living with morning sickness much easier.
What is morning sickness?
Morning sickness is a common symptom of early pregnancy, and it can occur at any time of day. It is believed to be caused by the production of a hormone called HCG, which indicates that the pregnancy is progressing normally. Morning sickness is likely caused by a combination of pregnancy hormones, a stronger sense of smell, and a more sensitive digestive system. Factors that can make you more likely to have morning sickness include having a history of nausea or vomiting from motion sickness, migraines, certain smells or tastes, or using birth control pills; having a mother or sister who had morning sickness; and having morning sickness during a previous pregnancy. Being pregnant with twins or multiples can also increase the likelihood of experiencing morning sickness.
How to avoid and treat morning sickness
Morning sickness is a common symptom of pregnancy that can be difficult to manage. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to avoid and treat morning sickness. Eating a balanced diet with nutritionally-dense foods and snacks is important for pregnant women. Taking prenatal supplements with food and avoiding spicy or greasy food can help reduce nausea. Additionally, bubbly beverages like seltzer or ginger ale may help settle the stomach. Chewing gum after meals can also reduce nausea, but it should be limited to 10 minutes to avoid heartburn.
Natural morning sickness remedies
Morning sickness is a common symptom experienced by many pregnant women, usually during the first trimester. It can occur at any time of day and can last throughout the entire pregnancy for some women. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to morning sickness, there are natural remedies available to help manage symptoms.
1. Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is an important nutrient for pregnant people, as it can help reduce morning sickness symptoms. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends taking 10-25 milligrams every 8 hours to alleviate nausea during pregnancy. It may take a couple of days to take effect, but it can make a difference in relieving morning sickness. Dr. Hakakha recommends taking 25 milligrams of vitamin B6 three times a day in addition to prenatal vitamins.
2. Papaya enzymes
Papaya enzymes are a popular remedy for morning sickness, containing pepsin which helps break down proteins and aid digestion. Monolaurin supplements are another option for supporting gut health during morning sickness. Ginger is also a popular natural remedy for nausea, and may work similarly to anti-nausea medications. Studies suggest that consuming ginger may reduce nausea during pregnancy, after chemotherapy treatment or an operation. Ginger is generally safe for most people, but those with low blood pressure or taking blood thinners should limit their intake. It is generally considered safe and effective for pregnant people as well, and may be an effective alternative to anti-nausea medications during pregnancy, chemotherapy, or after surgery. Studies on ginger have reported a low risk of side effects.
3. Ginger
Ginger is a popular remedy for morning sickness due to its ability to reduce nausea and vomiting. It can be consumed in many forms, including fresh, dried, pickled, preserved, crystallized, candied, and powdered or ground. Dried ginger powder products contain the highest quantity of gingerol-related compounds (7–14 mg/g), followed by fresh ginger (2–2.8 mg/g) and powdered ginger tea products (∼0.8 mg/g). Gingerols undergo oxidation of their phenolic side chain and are detected as predominantly glucuronide and sulfate conjugates in serum after ingestion.
4. Peppermint
Peppermint has been used as an ancient remedy for nausea for centuries. Its main ingredient, menthol, is responsible for its beneficial effects on the digestive system. The scent of peppermint oil alone can help to alleviate nausea and reduce symptoms within two minutes in 79% of cases when inhaled through an inhaler. Peppermint aromatherapy has also been shown to reduce nausea in women who have just given birth by C-section.
5. Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a role in many bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, energy production, and blood sugar regulation. Unfortunately, magnesium deficiency is a common problem that can worsen morning sickness. To help increase magnesium stores, it’s important to eat high-magnesium foods like leafy greens, nuts and seeds, legumes, and whole grains. Additionally, magnesium supplements or epsom salt baths/magnesium oil can be used to further increase magnesium levels.
6. Homeopathic remedies
Homeopathic remedies are a great way to treat nausea and morning sickness naturally. Pulsatilla 30c is a great remedy for general bouts of nausea, while Nux vomica 30 and Ipecac 30 can be used to treat vomiting or constipation. Sepia 30c is a natural remedy for those who are still hungry despite feeling nauseous. Natrum Phos. 6X and Natrum Muriaticum 6X can be used to treat morning sickness and help baby get into an optimal position for birth.
7. Dandelion root tea
Dandelion root tea is a great way to support the liver during pregnancy. The liver is under extra strain due to increased hormones, and poor liver function can lead to poor digestion. Dandelion root tea can help reduce the strain on the liver and improve digestion. It also contains antioxidants which can help protect against free radical damage.
In addition to dandelion root tea, ginger is another option that may be beneficial during pregnancy. Ginger has been used for centuries to aid digestion and reduce abdominal discomfort, and studies suggest it may help with nausea as well. Ginger can be consumed in various forms such as ginger ale, raw ginger added to water or tea, or gingerbread/cookies. Peppermint tea is another option that may help settle the stomach and provide relief from nausea. Both of these herbs are safe for pregnant women when taken in moderation and can be a great way to support your body during this special time.
8. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits are a great way to help reduce nausea in pregnant women. Eating grapefruit after meals may help reduce morning sickness, and lemon water or sugar-free lemonade can also be beneficial. An elixir of apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and honey mixed in water can be consumed throughout the day to alleviate a sour stomach. Citrus fruits can also be used in a variety of ways, including squeezing them into water, licking slices, sucking sour lemon candy, steeping whole lemons in water to make tea, and adding zest to yogurt or ice cream. Lemon essential oil may also provide some relief from nausea.
10. Acupressure
Acupressure is an ancient Chinese healing technique that can be used to relieve morning sickness. It involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, known as acupoints, in order to stimulate the flow of energy and promote healing. Three pressure points that can be tried at home are KID 6, KID 27, and PC 6. Sea bands can also be used for acupressure benefits.
Controlled breathing has been found to reduce nausea in two studies. In the first study, all participants reported a decrease in nausea after using controlled breathing techniques, suggesting that it may provide relief from morning sickness.
How long does morning sickness usually last?
Morning sickness is a common symptom of pregnancy that typically begins around the 5th or 6th week and can last until the 12th to 14th week. It is usually characterized by nausea, vomiting, and food aversions. While it can be uncomfortable, morning sickness is often seen as a sign of a healthy pregnancy. For most women, morning sickness will subside by week 14; however, some women may experience nausea throughout their entire pregnancy. This condition is known as hyperemesis gravidarum and affects 15-20% of pregnant women.
It is important for pregnant women to take care of themselves during this time and to speak with their doctor if they are experiencing severe symptoms or if the morning sickness persists beyond the 14th week. Eating small meals throughout the day, avoiding spicy or greasy foods, drinking plenty of fluids, and getting enough rest can help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with morning sickness.
