The shock of morning sickness can be a dramatic eye-opener. Symptoms can be unique from one expectant mother to the next: exhaustion, nausea, pickiness, food aversions, vomiting. Managing morning sickness can be tricky. No one thing works for every woman, although some ideas work for most..

 


Around 50% of all pregnant women suffer from morning sickness or nausea during their pregnancy. If you are in the early stages of pregnancy and have morning sickness, try the following to alleviate symptoms.
 

• Many doctors say morning sickness is due to low blood sugar levels. Another new study says it is due to dehydration. Try to keep your eating and fluids up. Eat small amounts frequently.

• Drink lots of water. Sipping on iced water throughout the day helps with cravings and may help keep the stomach settled.

• Eat what you are craving - unless it is soap, coal or dirt (which all signal some sort of vitamin or mineral deficiency)

• Smell or nibble on peppermint or ginger to ward off nausea. Likewise, peppermint or ginger teas can help settle a 'funny tummy'. Ginger ales and Gingernut biscuits are also good for settling the stomach.

• If possible, get someone else to cook meals so you don't need to smell cooking smells.
• Eat small meals often. Low blood sugar levels can contribute to nausea so snack frequently on nutritious snacks.

• Eat foods high in protein and carbohydrates

• Try to balance any cravings for junk food with healthy alternatives.

• Chocolate has been known to help morning sickness - but if you are craving it all day try a banana instead.
• Eat something high protein such as peanut butter before you go to bed to help maintain your blood sugar levels overnight.

• Eat during the night if you wake up hungry or nauseous, and start the day with a snack in bed. You may find dry crackers or cereal in your bedside drawer can help get rid of that initial morning nausea.

• Rest when you can. Sit down if you feel faint. Make sure you get good rest through the day.

• Relax and try not to worry. Many professionals assure expecting mothers morning sickness is a good sign your baby is growing and taking what it needs from your body.
• Some women swear by flat Sprite for keeping their stomach from churning.
• Wear acupressure wrist bands to help with nausea.
• Some women recommend a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water.
• Acupuncture is a safe and painless procedure which gives relief from morning sickness for up to a week.
  Auckland based acupuncturist Sam Corban says he has treated many women with either typical morning sickness as well as more severe morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarium) with much success.

 
Many health professionals believe we are designed to avoid foods that are risky to our baby. Our reduced desire to eat some foods may be to help us avoid foods that may not be always fully cooked or fresh. During the morning sickness weeks or months, it is good to try and eat as much fruit, vegetables and fresh nuts as possible. These are also often good natural sources of the vitamins and minerals our bodies need.

During the stage of morning sickness, you can feel that pregnancy is a terrible trick to have played on your body. However it is only a stage, and each day brings you that much closer to meeting your new arrival.

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