Experiencing nausea during pregnancy is not an uncommon condition. Most women complain of this problem in their initial stages of pregnancy. There are several home remedies to get rid of this disorder.
A woman always undergoes hormonal changes after she conceives. And with the sudden fluctuations in the growth hormones like estrogen and progesterone, the body takes its time to adjust to the needs of the new life that is budding within the woman. The prominent symptoms felt during pregnancy are nausea and dizziness. Although there is nothing abnormal with this, it definitely makes the woman a lot more uncomfortable, by making her lose her appetite.
How to Reduce Nausea During Pregnancy
The nauseating feeling starts around the end of the first trimester and continues throughout the gestation period. Symptoms like dizziness, feeling of weakness, and nausea-induced vomiting can make a woman feel tired and weary. She may also suffer a loss of appetite during pregnancy pertaining to severe bouts of nausea and vomiting, which in severe cases can lead to dehydration.
Diet
To control the waves of nausea, a balanced diet is very important. During pregnancy, it is advised that women take small meals, many times a day, so that the stomach does not feel too full or too empty all day long. Fried and fatty foods are a big NO-NO, as they can increase the nausea. Keep some crackers, bread toast, cereals and other protein snacks in stock, to munch whenever hunger pangs strike. And yes, a pregnancy diet should comprise a lot of fresh leafy vegetables. Consume a lot of juicy citrus fruits too, which will not only boost the immune system, but will also keep the body hydrated. Do not drink water in between a meal. Rather, it is advised to drink water after 5 – 10 minutes break post meal. Do not sleep immediately after a meal. This can otherwise induce more tiredness and fatigue, and increase the nausea.
Prenatal Vitamins and Iron Supplements
During pregnancy, a woman is advised to include a lot of iron supplements in her diet. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends at least 30 mg of iron everyday. Prenatal vitamin supplements containing vitamin B6 are mandated for a pregnant woman, as it aids to a great extent in reducing bouts of nausea and vomiting. Daily supplements also include intake of folate (folic acid), which plays a major role in assuring the healthy growth of the fetus. The intake of folic acid recommended is 400 – 600 mcg a day. Other remedies include medications like Ipecacuana 6X, Nux Vomica 6X and Slippery Elm tablets. Women who suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum (a severe form of morning sickness during pregnancy) are advised to take anti-nausea drugs like metoclopramide.
Acupuncture and Acupressure
Acupuncture, along with acupressure, comes across as one of the best remedies. There are acupressure wristbands available, which are often sold in stores as ‘sea bands’. As per traditional Chinese medicine, the pressure point known as ‘pericardium p6’ is stimulated by these bands. This point is found at a three finger width from the first crease of wrist, between the tendons leading to the wrist bone. Pressure on this point has proven to reduce nausea to a great extent. The cost of these bands is less than USD 10, per pair and is commonly found in departmental stores too. Also your partner may further help by applying appropriate pressure on Stomach 36 (ST-36) pressure point (located at a four finger width below the kneecap, outside shinbone). Many women have experienced a significant drop in their morning sickness symptoms by following this technique.
Natural Remedies to Cure Nausea
Here are some natural remedies for morning sickness during pregnancy.
- As soon as you get up, try out some deep breathing exercises for about 30 minutes. You can take a walk in the morning and evening, for about 30 minutes. Practice the normal schedule of pregnancy exercises as advised. These physical activities in the day are one of the best ways of handling nausea in pregnancy.
- Start your day with a cup of warm water, flavored with a teaspoon of cider vinegar. Else, add some ginger root to your tea, and have it. Ginger and vinegar aid in arresting nauseating sensations and vomiting. Also, keep sniffing some lemon, whose smell immediately palliates the increased sensitivity to odor (a normal symptom of pregnancy), which at times can induce severe dizziness and nausea.
- Consume a lot of anise, dried peach tree leaves, fennel seeds, red raspberries in your herbal tea, which effectively help in controlling nausea during pregnancy. Lavender, mint and thyme can also be used.
- Aromatherapy is often recommended for pregnant women, as it helps in soothing jittery nerves and also aids in controlling the nausea. Some of the essential oils that are used for massaging are lavender, rose, chamomile and peppermint. They have proved quite effective in soothing a queasy stomach. You can also use an aroma diffuser which contains warm water with some drops of this essential oil.
Morning sickness or nausea can strike at anytime in the day, and make a woman experience erratic mood swings. Following this are other signs like low blood sugar, low blood pressure and emotional disturbance. Most of the time, nausea and vomiting are attributed to vitamin B6 deficiency, and excessive consumption of spices and fats. So it is important for a woman to curb her desire to binge on fatty foods, and follow a healthy diet all through the gestation time. And yes, drink lot of water throughout the day. Sufficient fluid intake helps in palliating nausea.
Disclaimer: This HerHaleness article is for informative purposes only, and should not be replaced for the advice of a medical professional.
