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How To Battle Morning Sickness

Written by James Kicinski-McCoy

Half of pregnant women suffer from waves of nausea and/or vomiting called morning sickness, which ironically doesn’t only take place in the a.m. Most women with this common pregnancy side effect get sick at any time of day, some even wake in the middle of the night feeling queasy. Morning sickness is usually caused by the flood of hormones that pregnant women experience, low blood sugar, and dehydration. While not all those who are expecting have these uncomfortable symptoms, many of them do, and a small percentage suffer throughout their entire pregnancy. Most, however, start to feel better shortly after the first trimester. Either way, morning sickness can be a miserable way to begin your pregnancy and can really take a toll on the expecting mother. Be sure to always consult with your doctor or midwife and let them know if you’re experiencing symptoms. In the meantime, follow these simple, healthy, and helpful tips to battle those squeamish feelings…

1. Stay hydrated. One reason many pregnant women start to feel nauseated is from lack of water. Drink plenty of liquids. And if water is too bland, try mixing juice and water, snack on popsicles, jello, or water-packed fruit like watermelon. Ice-cold drinks also help soothe upset stomachs.

2. Ginger. Ginger root is a proven natural remedy for nausea. Steep some ginger tea, suck on a piece of ginger candy, have some ginger ale, ginger bread, or even a ginger dressing on top of a small salad. Any form of ginger will do. If you’re not a fan of the taste, pick up some ginger supplements at your local health food store.

3. Almonds. Protein is an important part of keeping the queasy feelings at bay. Snack on a handful of almonds several times a day to get your protein (and energy) fix!

4. Saltine crackers. Saltines can be a morning sickness sufferer’s best friend. Keep a pack besides the bed and in your purse, so they are always in reach when you’re feeling bad. They can usually help an unsettled tummy on the quick. Spread on a little peanut butter if they’re not your favorite snack.

5. Smell fresh lemon. Often times morning sickness is triggered by sensitivities to certain smells. To help ward off bothersome scents, take a whiff of a freshly cut lemon.

6. Peppermint. Sucking on peppermint candy or drinking peppermint tea can help with nausea.

7. Yogurt. Mix greek or plain yogurt with a spoonful of honey to coat the stomach and work as a natural antacid. Bonus: Yogurt is also packed with protein.

8. Snack often. The best way to fight off morning sickness is to eat often. As hard as that may sound, eating small meals around the clock and keeping your stomach neutral and happy is what will help the nausea subside. You’ll also have more energy, which is a plus for growing a baby!

9. Premesis. If you’ve tried the tips above and they don’t seem to be helping, talk to your doctor about Premesis. It’s a prenatal vitamin that contains Calcium, Folic Acid, B6, and B12, and is often gentler on the stomach than regular prenatal vitamins. Some woman suffering from morning sickness swear by it.

*If you experience severe nausea or vomiting, seek medical attention right away.

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