To help manage nausea during pregnancy, several effective strategies and remedies can be employed:
Dietary and Lifestyle Tips
- Eat small, frequent meals rather than large meals to avoid an empty or overly full stomach, both of which can worsen nausea
- Choose bland, easy-to-digest foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, which are less likely to trigger nausea
- Include high-protein foods like chicken, peanut butter, beans, hard-boiled eggs, and Greek yogurt, which may help reduce nausea by aiding digestion
- Stay hydrated by sipping fluids throughout the day, aiming for 6 to 8 cups of caffeine-free liquids such as water, ginger tea, or real ginger ale
- Avoid foods and smells that trigger nausea , and rest adequately since tiredness can exacerbate symptoms
Specific Remedies
- Ginger is widely recommended and can be consumed as tea, candies, lollipops, capsules, or fresh ginger. It has been shown to relieve nausea for some pregnant women
- Vitamin B6 supplements (pyridoxine) and doxylamine (an antihistamine also used as a sleep aid) are safe and effective treatments for morning sickness, sometimes combined in prescription medications like Diclegis®
- Acupressure and acupuncture may help some women. Applying pressure to the P6 point on the wrist (about three finger-widths below the wrist crease between two tendons) can reduce nausea
- Cold beverages and snacks such as smoothies, almond milk, sorbet, and chilled fruits can be easier to tolerate because they have less aroma and are soothing
- Carbonated beverages like mineral water may reduce stomach acidity and help with nausea, but should be sipped slowly to avoid bloating
- Herbal teas such as peppermint, chamomile, lemon, and spearmint can soothe the stomach, but avoid teas not confirmed safe during pregnancy
Additional Tips
- Take prenatal vitamins with a snack or before bedtime to reduce queasiness
- Rinse your mouth after vomiting with water mixed with baking soda to protect tooth enamel
- Avoid marijuana or unproven remedies for nausea during pregnancy
If nausea is severe or accompanied by dehydration symptoms (dizziness, rapid heartbeat), consult a healthcare provider promptly as this may indicate hyperemesis gravidarum, a more serious condition requiring medical attention
. These strategies can significantly alleviate nausea and improve comfort during pregnancy.
