11 tips to help with morning sickness

Pregnancy is an amazing journey, but let's be real, it's not always sunshine and rainbows. While those first kicks are pure magic, there's also morning sickness... which, by the way, can strike all day long.

If you're one of the unlucky ones battling pregnancy nausea well into your second or even third trimester, don't despair! There are ways to cope, especially if you're juggling work or other kids.

While every pregnancy is unique, there are definitely tried and true ways to tackle that pesky morning sickness. You've probably heard countless tips from friends and family (everyone's got their own "miracle cure," right?). The truth is, what works for one person may not work for another.

What is morning sickness? 

Morning sickness, or NVP, affects most pregnant women and can be really tough to handle. While it's a normal part of pregnancy, it can cause sadness and depression, making daily life a struggle.

A more severe form, hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), causes intense nausea, dizziness, and even dehydration requiring hospitalization. It can last the entire pregnancy, as experienced by the Duchess of Cambridge. Though only affecting a small percentage of women, HG can be incredibly isolating.

Thankfully, traditional morning sickness typically peaks in the first trimester and subsides by the second. Hang on in there!

How to treat morning sickness 

There are definitely ways to tackle that morning sickness and get some relief. Here are a few tricks that might help you feel better.

1. Take it easy in the morning: Don't jump out of bed! Keep crackers and water by your bedside to nibble on before even getting up. This can help curb that initial wave of nausea.
2. Eat small, frequent meals: Avoid getting too hungry, as it can worsen morning sickness. Grazing throughout the day can help keep nausea at bay.
3. Avoid triggers: If certain foods or smells make you feel sick, steer clear of them. Don't be afraid to speak up and ask your partner to avoid cooking certain things for a while.
4. Stay hydrated and nourished: Even if you're vomiting, it's crucial to keep yourself hydrated and fed. Your body needs the nutrients to support your growing baby. Focus on a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, fibre, and lean protein.
5. Try essential oils: Essential oils can offer a natural and gentle way to alleviate morning sickness symptoms. While research is ongoing, certain oils have shown promising results in reducing nausea, fatigue, and stress. Try our Pregnancy Candle. Its blend of lavender, ylang-ylang, and lemon essential oils helps calm nausea, fight fatigue, and encourage relaxation.
6. Sip on ginger tea: This powerful herb can work wonders for nausea. Sip on ginger tea or ginger ale, or try ginger candies or lollipops. You can even find special ginger lollipops designed for pregnant women!
7. Try acupressure wristbands: These acupressure wristbands are readily available at drugstores and work by stimulating a pressure point on your wrist to relieve nausea.
8. Acupuncture: While not scientifically proven, some women find relief from morning sickness through acupuncture. If you're interested, discuss it with your doctor first.
9. Hypnosis: This alternative therapy can help some women reframe their thoughts and reduce their physical response to nausea triggers. While unconventional, it might be worth exploring if other methods haven't worked.
10. Rest: Fatigue can worsen morning sickness, so make sure you're getting enough sleep and rest. Perhaps indulge in a soothing bath with our Shower & Bath Gel, which contains frankincense and bergamot to help you relax.
11. Talk to your doctor: If your morning sickness is severe, talk to your doctor about prescription anti-nausea medications. They can be very effective in managing even extreme cases.

When to Seek Medical Help? 

Sometimes, morning sickness can cross the line into a more serious issue. If you experience any of the following, it's crucial to contact your doctor:

Persistent nausea: If you feel nauseous all day long, without any relief, it's time to check in with your doctor.

Frequent vomiting: If you're vomiting more than four times a day and can't keep anything down, including water, seek medical attention.

Blood in vomit: This is not normal and requires immediate emergency care.

Signs of dehydration: Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, having a dry mouth, or dark urine can indicate dehydration, which can be dangerous during pregnancy.

Remember, your health and your baby's health are paramount. Don't hesitate to seek help if you're concerned about your morning sickness.