Tips for Morning Sickness......

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First of all, it’s not just the morning. It may be better to refer to it as any time of the day sickness. It really can pop up at any moment. It usually will resolve by the second trimester, however, I’m sorry to say, for some it can last for the entirety of your pregnancy. I know that it can be frustrating when all you can think about it is how sick you fell, and then the worry sets in about how to make sure that you are getting everything you need for your baby. In order to figure out what to do about it, it can be helpful to figure out what triggers it, Is it smells? Does it happen at a particular time of day? Did you allow yourself to get to hungry? Did you overeat? Under eat? Below are a few tips that may help.

  1. Some people find it helpful to eat smaller meals more often. This helps you from getting to hungry and having your blood sugar drop.

  2. Carbs. I know that this may be contrary to what some people think, however according to Lily Nichols, who wrote Real Food for Pregnancy, carbohydrates tend to be easy to digest, which means that you probably will digest some of it before you have to throw up. This means that you get a little something.

  3. If you are having a hard time stomaching ANY food, opt for things like fruit, smoothies, sweet potatoes or rice, just be aware that big fluctuations in blood sugar can also bring on nausea, so if possible, follow it up with a protein. This will stabilize your blood sugar. Greek yogurt, beef jerky are also good options for protein.

  4. Some people experience it the worst in the morning. If that is the case, keep something right next to the bed. Crackers can spike you blood sugar, so honestly nuts can be a great item to grab even before your feet hit the floor.

  5. Protein shakes are also a great option, just make sure to read the ingredients. There can be a lot of added sugars in them. That again, would spike your blood sugar.

  6. Cold foods can be a alternative is smells bother you. Tangy popsicles, avocado with salt and lemon juice, frozen berries are also great.

  7. There are some supplements that help as well. Vitamin B-6 usually given 10-25 mg every 8 hours. (Real Food For Pregnancy) You could also try snacking on vitamin b-6 rich foods such as avocados, bananas, pistachios, and sunflower seeds. Ginger has also been used for hundreds of years, and comes in many different forms. Some people also use magnesium supplement as well.

  8. Acupressure or acupuncture are also options. The pressure point is located on the wrist, called the P6. I had the best luck with this option myself, there is a company who makes wristbands that put pressure on this part of the wrist. They worked like a charm. They are Sea Bands and you can find them here.

  9. If you do find yourself throwing up a lot, make sure to replenish your fluids. Homemade bone broth, diluted juice, coconut water can help. I also had luck with taking a few sips of coke, the sugar in the syrup settled my stomach enough to get additional fluids in avoiding dehydration.

  10. Eat what sounds good. Remember, this will pass, although I get it, at the time it is tough.

There is a condition known as Hyperemesis Gravidarum, which is extreme nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. This occurs in about 3% of pregnancies. Birthing people that experience this need treatment. It is not something to be ignored. They experience serious dehydration and at times are not able to stop throwing up and need to be seen by their provider. For most it occurs during the first trimester and can return during the last few weeks of pregnancy. Just try to eat what you can, and stay hydrated. Hang in there, we can do hard things. XOXO