Natural Methods to Coping with Morning Sickness

Natural Methods to Coping with Morning Sickness:

Pregnancy is one of the most exciting times in a woman's life - that is, unless, she is faced with the monster that is morning sickness. Morning sickness may range from minor to severe, with the most severe cases requiring medical intervention through means such as IV fluids and nourishment to ensure a healthy mother and baby. But, not to worry - only a small percentage of women - 1- 3%, in fact - find themselves facing Hyperemesis Gravidarium - the most severe form of morning sickness.

Morning sickness may be one of the first signs or symptoms you feel before you find out you are expecting. It usually comes in the way of nausea that may hit you out of nowhere. It may be due to certain smells related to strongly scented things you may once have loved, such as coffee or your once favorite candle. Morning sickness, contrary to its name, can happen any time of day or night - and it can be difficult to force meals down or to keep anything down at all.

Luckily, there are natural ways to manage morning sickness to help get you through those trying first few weeks - and the light at the end of the tunnel is, you can usually expect your morning sickness symptoms to clear up completely around the end of the first trimester, or the third month of pregnancy. Below are some of the most tried and true natural methods to curb morning sickness - and various ways in which you might utilize these ingredients to your benefit.

Ginger

Ginger is one of the best-loved natural remedies for morning sickness. Whether you buy fresh ginger and slice it into thin coins and steep it in boiling water to make a tea, suck on ginger candies, or eat ginger snap cookies, ginger has a way of calming those terrible waves of nausea and providing you with a calm stomach in no time. Sipping small bits of Ginger Ale is another great option when you've got a poorly stomach.

Peppermint

Peppermint is one of those herbs every pregnant woman may want to keep on her windowsill, so whenever those nasty bouts of nausea hit you can always have some fresh mint on hand. Peppermint tea is a perfect way to stop nausea in its tracks. Simply place some fresh peppermint leaves into a cup of hot water and steep for 5 minutes. Sip slowly for quick relief. Other good options can be to chew peppermint gum, peppermint candies with real peppermint oil, or you could even use peppermint in an aromatherapeutic manner if you don't quite care for the taste of peppermint by diffusing pure peppermint essential oil in a diffuser.

Bedside Water and Crackers

A centuries old trick, keeping bland crackers and water on your bedside table is a great way to beat nausea before it even hits you. Simply take a few sips of water in the morning before you get up, and eat small bites of a cracker or two to keep something in your stomach. Believe it or not, an empty stomach can cause greater nausea - so be sure to keep carb filled snacks on hand, such as crackers or pretzels. It’s hard when you don’t feel like eating, to stomach the thought of plain crackers but eating is often the cure.

Lemons

Lemons are a great item to have on hand. Sometimes, just the smell of a fresh cut lemon can help to ease nausea, but if that doesn't do the trick, slice lemons and place into a glass of cool water and sip slowly to help calm your stomach.

Breathing Exercises

Sometimes, all it takes is something as simple as some deep breathing to help calm your stomach. Practice deep breathing techniques to promote a calm environment and quell those nausea waves.

Take Prenatals With Food

Prenatal Vitamins are one of those things pregnant women can't be without for the health of her baby, and to keep her energy up. It's best to take them with a meal to avoid further stomach upset as prenatal vitamins can be pretty potent and cause gastrointestinal symptoms - worsening the issues a woman may already be facing. If your nausea is worse or vomiting increases when taking your prenatals, perhaps try taking them in the evening before you go to bed, or consider switching your prenatals altogether with the help of your midwife or doctor.

Eat Frequent Small Meals

The last thing you probably want to do or think about when you are experiencing nausea is food - but as an expecting mother, it's something you simply cannot go without. It's important to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day rather than 3 large meals to avoid heartburn and stomach upset (if this affects you). Avoid fatty or fried foods as much as possible, and if necessary, eat bland, balanced foods that are healthy and provide you and your baby with optimal nutrition.

Other Methods

Other natural morning sickness methods that have worked for mama’s I work with as a midwife:

• Preggie Pops

• Sea Bands

• Pregnancy teas for morning sickness

• Seltzer water

• Broth

• Dry toast

• Lying down to rest

• Taking a nap

• Taking a walk and getting some fresh air

• Taking a warm bath

• Finding something to occupy yourself with to avoid overthinking your symptoms, such as watching a movie or reading a book

Some doctors and midwives would say morning sickness is a sign of a healthy pregnancy. Count it as a blessing as much as possible, and do your best to embrace it as yet another part of the journey to motherhood, as it will be over before you know it! Soon, your sweet, beautiful baby will be in your arms, and it will have all been worth it in the end. Consider it a part of forming the miracle of life - and just remember, it won't last forever, you’ve got this mama!

What are some ways you have treated your morning sickness naturally? Have you tried something not listed here? We would love to hear about it in the comments!

Gorgeous photo from @amberfillerup