1. EAT! Never allow your stomach to be fully empty. Keep a
snack with you at all times Eating small meals throughout the day will help keep
your blood sugar from dipping too low and triggering nausea. Try eating
carbohydrates before you even get out of bed (crackers, toast, dried fruit, popcorn,
granola bars, etc.)
2. Protein: Protein is the best source of sustained energy
and will be one of your biggest allies in preventing nausea. Eat some just before bed
to avoid feeling queasy in the morning.
3. Complex Carbohydrates: Avoid refined grains and
simple carbs like pasta and sugar. These foods not only have little, if any, nutrition
but can lead to low blood sugar. Enjoy whole wheat pastas, breads, and other whole
grains.
4. Drink: Dehydration is a major cause of nausea and
headaches. Aim for 2.5 litres of water, unsweetened juices, and herbal teas. Soft
drinks, caffeinated beverages, and sugary drinks are best avoided throughout your
pregnancy.
5. Avoid smells, tastes, and textures that trigger your
nausea. Ask others in the house to be aware of and respect this.
6. Accupressure: Try "Seabands" designed to offset
motion sickness, or firmly press an accupressure site that lies 1/6th of the way
between your wrist and elbow, in the middle of the inner side of your forearm.
7. Ginger has has been clinically proven to relieve nausea.
Take 250 mg three to four times a day in capsule form (do not exceed 1 g) or drink
5-6 cups of the tea throughout the day.
8. Digestive teas such as fennel, spearmint, and
chamomile may also be of benefit if indigestion leads to your nausea.
9. Avoid foods that can cause gas and bloating. Try
drinking carbonated beverages to help expel stomach gas.
10. If an increase in mucous production is causing your nausea, try
indulging in spicy foods or drink hot teas.
11. Avoid sucking on hard candies on an empty stomach.
Although this may temporarily relieve your nausea, the digestive juices you
stimulate could make matters a lot worse.
12. Vitamin B6: Taking 25 mg of B6 throughout the
day, not exceeding 150 mg. may help "shut off" the nausea control-centre in your
brain. Many women are deficient in B vitamins at the onset of pregnancy, especially
those who were previously on oral contraceptives.
13. Avoid taking your supplements on an empty stomach .
14. Sleep: Exhaustion can aggravate nausea, and baby-
making is tiring work!
15. Address your fears: Many women find that there is a
psychological component to their nausea which can be relieved though counselling
and talking with others, as well as empowering themselves in preparation for the
birth.
16. Indigestion: Try using digestive enzymes such
as papain and bromelain at mealtime to aid digestion. Activated charcoal may also
help relieve a "sour" stomach. Try 2 capsules when nauseous, up to twice a day.
17. Homeopathics: Homeopathic remedies are usually
prescribed on an individual basis, but you might try remedies such as nux vomica,
ipecac, and sepia. (Be sure you are purchasing the homeopathic variety of ipecac.
The undiluted kind can be dangerous to your pregnancy)
18. Keep active: CO2 buildup in the blood can contribute
to nausea, which can be reduced with the help of cardiovascular activity such as
walking and swimming.
19. Talk: Many women experience ambivalence when they
find out they are pregnant, even if it was planned. This anxiety can lead to nausea,
which in turn can lead to more anxiety.
20. Herbs: There are a variety of herbs that your herbalist
can recommend including dandelion root, wild yam, vitex, false unicorn, and black
horehound. Find someone knowledgeable in the use of herbs during pregnancy to
formulate something specifically for you.
21. Aromatherapy: Many essential oils will be off-limits
during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. However lavender essential oil,
when inhaled, may help relieve some nausea.NOTE: Always make sure your doctor or midwife is
aware of your situation. Vomiting during pregnancy can quickly lead to dehydration
and possibly malnutrition if it continues long enough. In some cases it may be an
unrelated pathogen and should be investigated by your caregiver.
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