One day you’re up and about, feeling like yourself. The next, you’re floored by a wave of nausea so strong you can’t even look at a cup of tea. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Early pregnancy nausea can be unpredictable, coming and going with little warning.
While it’s often referred to as morning sickness, it doesn’t always stick to the mornings or a set schedule. For some, it’s a constant hum in the background; for others, it strikes suddenly and intensely, then vanishes again. But as unsettling as this can feel, rest assured: it’s completely normal.
The good news? There are simple, natural ways to ease that queasy feeling – little calming rituals for morning sickness that can calm your senses, take the edge off the nausea and help you feel more like yourself again.
Why morning sickness comes and goes
Pregnancy hormones are the biggest culprits behind morning sickness, especially hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and oestrogen, which surge in the first trimester. These shifts affect your digestion, sense of smell, and even how you respond to stress and fatigue.
The intensity of your symptoms can fluctuate, depending on various factors.
- How tired you are: Fatigue tends to make nausea worse.
- What and when you’ve eaten: An empty stomach can intensify the feeling.
- How hydrated you are: Dehydration can sneak in quickly and make symptoms worse.
- Your stress levels: Emotional overwhelm can bring on or worsen nausea.
For some, nausea truly does hit hardest in the morning, but for others, it peaks in the evening or after certain meals. The key takeaway? If you’re wondering can morning sickness come and go – yes, it can, and it’s totally normal.
Four natural ways to soothe nausea when it hits
The good news? There are gentle morning sickness remedies that offer natural nausea relief in pregnancy, especially when you build small, calming rituals into your day to support your senses.
1. Ease nausea with aromatherapy
Scent is one of the fastest ways to influence how we feel. Certain essential oils, like peppermint, lemon and ginger are known for their nausea-soothing properties.
When nausea hits, try lighting a Cradle & Tonic calming aromatherapy pregnancy candle in a quiet space. It’s gently scented with lemon, petitgrain, and ylang ylang, a blend chosen to support relaxation and offer natural relief from early pregnancy nausea, without overwhelming sensitive senses.
Whether you’re resting on the sofa or doing some gentle stretching, the natural scent can help settle your senses and shift your focus.
2. Try a grounding massage with safe oils
A light, self-guided pregnancy massage at home can be wonderfully grounding, especially when using a pregnancy-safe body oil. Touch helps release tension and distract from discomfort.
Cradle & Tonic’s Pregnancy Stretch Mark Oil is a silky, antioxidant-rich blend of almond, jojoba, lavender, sweet mandarin and petitgrain oils, chosen for their nourishing and restorative properties. If strong smells are a trigger, don’t worry – our oil is delicately scented, designed to comfort without overwhelming sensitive senses.
3. Small rituals = Big relief
When nausea creeps in, it helps to have a calm corner ready. Think:
- A warm blanket
- Soft lighting
- Your favourite pillow or cushion
- A softly flickering candle
You could even set a timer for a 5–10 minutes breathing session, focusing on slow, deep inhales, ideally surrounded by your favourite calming scents. If you’re feeling hot and nauseous, you could also try a cooling breath to bring your body temperature down. It’s not just about managing your symptoms, it’s also about reclaiming a little control and calm.
4. Sip smart
Dehydration often makes nausea worse, so keeping up your fluids is key. But go gently, small sips often work better than gulps.
- Ginger tea is a classic morning sickness remedy.
- Lemon water can refresh both your palate and your stomach.
- Mild peppermint tea may help ease bloating and queasiness.
Sipping slowly might not sound like much, but it can become one of those calming rituals for morning sickness that actually helps. Try keeping a favourite glass and a candle by your bed. It’s a small thing, but in the middle of a queasy moment, it can feel surprisingly comforting.
What about sickness bands or tablets?
You’ve probably heard of acupressure wristband – those soft bands that press on a point on your inner wrist (called the P6 or Nei-Guan point). They’re said to help reduce nausea, and for some people, they really do make a difference, especially if you’re on the go and want something hands-off.
In fact, a 2023 study found that pregnant women who used acupressure wristbands between 6 and 14 weeks reported noticeably less nausea and vomiting after just a week of use. It’s not a magic fix, but for a lot of mums-to-be, it’s a small, easy tool worth trying.
There are also anti-nausea tablets available. These are usually antihistamines or other pregnancy-safe antiemetics prescribed when lifestyle changes don’t help. The NHS website is clear – if symptoms don’t improve after trying simple remedies, your GP or midwife “may recommend a short‑term course of an anti‑sickness medicine … that’s safe to use in pregnancy”
But before taking anything, even over-the-counter options, it’s important to talk to your midwife or GP. Everybody reacts differently during pregnancy, and what works best for you is personal and unique.
When to seek medical advice
While most pregnancy nausea is unpleasant but manageable, sometimes it can go beyond that. The NHS advises speaking to your midwife or doctor if you’re vomiting and:
- You can’t keep fluids down
- You notice weight loss
- You feel very weak, dizzy or faint when standing up
- You have a high temperature
You have signs of hyperemesis gravidarum, a more severe form of pregnancy sickness that needs medical care. You can find out more about this on the Pregnancy Sickness Support website.
Make nausea more bearable, one ritual at a time
It’s okay not to feel okay, especially when your body is doing the incredible work of growing a baby. If early pregnancy nausea is stealing your joy, go gently, and try adding calming rituals to your day.
Simple things can make a big difference, such as:
Scent: Light an aromatherapy candle to shift the mood
Touch: Use body oil to create a nourishing self-care moment.
Rest: Give yourself permission to pause and sip water slowly.
There’s no magic cure but there are ways to feel more in control, more cared for and more like yourself.
Explore our calming collection for early pregnancy
You can’t always stop the waves of nausea, but you can build gentle rituals to help you feel more in control.
Shop pregnancy-safe candles – Soft, natural scents to soothe queasy moments
Try our body oil – Nourish your skin and calm your senses
Read first trimester tips – Gentle guidance for early pregnancy
