Natural Remedies for Morning Sickness Pregnant Women Swear By

Stop the queasies, stat.

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Why so nauseous, mama?

More than 50 percent of pregnant women experience some form of morning sickness. It is usually one of the first indicators of pregnancy but usually passes by the 12th week or so of pregnancy. The queasiness is related to an increase in estrogen levels, sometimes low blood sugar counts, and a greater sensitivity to smells. Generally, morning sickness isn’t harmful to mom or baby. More severe vomiting can by diagnosed by your physician as hyperemesis gravidarum, a much more severe condition (it’s what Princess Kate experienced during her pregnancies). Hyperemesis gravidarum is most commonly characterized by electrolyte disturbance, weight loss, severe nausea, and vomiting. Sometimes this condition results in hospitalization. Always share your concerns with your doctor. For most women though, morning sickness can be treated naturally with simple dietary and environmental changes. Many times foods and smells you once loved will send running to the bathroom. Listen to your body and steer clear of any foods that make you feel worse. As they say, “This too shall pass.”

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Ginger root

Ginger root comes in many forms. You can cut it up and add it to hot water to make a tea. Another option is to suck on a piece of crystallized ginger. Commonly known as ginger candy, it can be found in grocery and health food stores. If you just can’t stomach the taste or smell, try ginger pills. Ginger pills come in several forms for easy consumption. Ginger also aids in digestion and calms the stomach when you aren’t suffering from morning sickness. With so many ways to consume ginger root, many women stock up when they discover they are pregnant. Here are more good reasons to relieve nausea with ginger.

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Bananas

Bananas are one of the most common dietary sources of potassium, a mineral that helps maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in your body. Your blood volume expands, especially in the early months of pregnancy, so it is important to increase your fluid intake. Noshing on a banana in the morning can help keep the nausea at bay. Bananas are also full of vitamin B6, which can also help keep nausea in check.

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Lemons

The smell of lemons has been shown to calm your stomach when feeling nauseous. You can sniff them, eat them, or even suck on lemon-favored candies to soothe your tummy. Drinking lemon water can help reduce nausea as well. Studies have shown that burning a lemon-scented candle can also have the same effect. Here are 34 reasons to load up on lemons around the house.

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Acupressure wristbands

Acupressure wristbands stimulate an acupuncture point called pericardium 6, which is known in traditional Chinese medicine to relieve nausea. It is simply a wristband with a plastic button that puts pressure on the p6 point inside of the wrist. They are completely drug free and usually start working immediately. They are cost effective and can be found in most drugstores around the country. These also help relieve motion sickness.

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Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 has been shown to help with nausea. As with all medications and supplements—especially during pregnancy—you should talk to your doctor before taking it. Vitamin B6 can also be found in a variety of foods. Foods like spinach, sunflower seeds, and turkey are all high in B6. A study in the journal Family Practice found that 30 mg of B6 can help reduce morning sickness.

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Avoid hunger

Diet plays the most important part of fighting morning sickness. Eating small healthy meals throughout the day will help keep the nausea at bay. Morning sickness can be an all-day illness but it’s often worst in the morning. To prevent waking up and vomiting, try keeping crackers and water by your bed. Eating a small snack before you get out of bed can help fight nausea first thing in the morning. Eating a bland diet and staying away from fatty or spicy foods will help as well.

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Water

Increasing water consumption during pregnancy is not only important for your developing baby, but for the health of your body. You need to replace the fluids you are losing while suffering from morning sickness. Muscle cramps and lightheadedness are signs of dehydration. Speak to your doctor if you think you may be dehydrated. Growing a new life is hard on your body. There are so many changes happening all at once. Rest and stress reduction will drastically improve your wellbeing. Morning sickness is only temporary and should subside by the second trimester. If you are still experiencing nausea and vomiting later, you should speak to your doctor about prescription medications that may help.

Reader's Digest
Originally Published in Reader's Digest