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Morning Sickness Survival Tips

by: Carrie Lauth

"Just eat a few saltines also you will be ok".

I don't know about you, however as someone who suffered with prolonged, severe morning sickness (which I affectionately call morning noon also night sickness), when I hear someone say this, I just want to slug them!

If you're suffering with nausea also vomiting of pregnancy, you're not alone. Most women experience it to some degree during their first trimester. If you're one of the unfortunate few whose symptoms last longer than the typical 6-12 weeks, I empathize. I've had the same experience with all four of my pregnancies. I have learned a few things that helped however, also I hope you can get some relief with these tips.

1) Getting your blood sugar regulated is priority #1.

One theory about why morning sickness is worse in the morning (and for some women only occurs then) is because when you wake up from sleep, you have low blood sugar. For some pregnant woman, going eight hours without food is just a bad idea.

You might find it helpful to eat a high protein snack before bed, also even to eat a bite each time you get up in the night to go to the bathroom. (Which in the beginning may be quite frequent!)

Personally, I found that what I did first thing in the morning was of paramount importance. I had to eat a few bites of food *while still lying down*. So I either put some food on a plate beside my bed or asked my husband bring me a snack first thing in the morning.

Don't jump out of bed. Eat your snack slowly also lie still for a few minutes afterwards. Then slowly get up also immediately go to the kitchen also eat another bite. Again, emphasize protein.

2) Avoid foods that cause rapid blood sugar shifts.

Fruit juice, sugary snacks, processed cereal (the kind that comes in a box), anything made with white flour, etc...these types of foods cause your blood sugar to rapidly rise then come crashing down, triggering nausea also vomiting. Eat protein foods also whole foods.

Meat, cheese, yogurt (be careful here- try plain yogurt with frozen berries mixed in. Most yogurt has way too much sugar in it.), eggs, nuts, nut butters, veggies, also whole grains should be your staples.

Even if eating does not appeal to you, coaxing yourself to eat a little bit of a protein food every two hours will help prevent vomiting. Don't leave the house without carrying a snack with you.

3) If drinking water makes you sicker, try these alternatives.

It is very important that you stay hydrated. You are going to need extra fluids to support the pregnancy, however many women find that drinking water makes them more nauseated. Some things to try:

Smoothies made with fruit, ice also plain yogurt or kefir. The tangy flavor of these two dairy products really hit the spot for me. They or else sneak in some extra protein.

Water served VERY cold with a squeeze of lemon or lime.

Carbonated water with a small amount of fruit juice for flavor.

Weakly brewed iced or hot tea with lemon. The small bit of caffeine will not harm your baby. Something about the bitter tannins in tea may help ease nausea.

Citrus fruits also melons.

4) Avoid nausea triggers as much as possible.

Your nose is on hyperdrive during early pregnancy!

Stinky smells like poopy diapers, kitchen trash, even morning breath may be impossible to totally avoid, however try your best to avoid smelly situations.

Have someone else take out the trash. Have hubby change your toddler when he's home. It is the least he can do!

And don't be shy about telling someone who has bad breath, noxious perfume or cigarette smells on them that you're in a delicate condition also need some fresh air. During my pregnancies, my husband had to switch to unscented deodorant also soap, otherwise I couldn't hug him!

If cooking smells make you ill, take a break from your usual garlic also onion specialties. Don't be a martyr. Hubby will understand that you can't make his favorite sausage also peppers for a while.

Prepare meals that will not stink up the kitchen. Green main dish salads with cold, cut up chicken, steak or hard boiled eggs. Sandwiches are good too.

5) Try Aromatherapy

Put a couple of drops of lavender, mint or lemon essential oil (these oils are generally regarded as safe to use during pregnancy) on cotton balls also keep these in various locations... the kitchen, bathroom, your purse also in the car. Take a whiff when you feel sick. Put a few drops on your pillow.

6) Take it easy- however don't forget exercise

I know, I know... exercise is the last thing you want to do when you can hardly get your face out of the toilet! But if you force yourself to take even a ten minute walk outside every day, it WILL help.

But do try to take it easy, avoid stress as much as possible, also rest as much as you can. You are doing the very important job of growing a baby. Explain to your other children why you're feeling poorly also that it will not last forever. Call in favors also ask friends to come over to play with your two year old for an hour so you can sleep, or ask them to cook extra when they make dinner tonight also bring you a dish.

When you feel a bout of nausea coming on, try to lay down for a few minutes in a dark room with your eyes closed. Sometimes if you do this the episode will pass.

7) Focus on the positive

Sometimes when you're so miserable it's easy to forget what's making you so sick! Remember that statistically, women who experience nausea also vomiting of pregnancy are more likely to carry the pregnancy to term.

One of my midwives told me that she always worries when a Mom comes in for her first prenatal feeling wonderful...the chances of her miscarrying are higher.

So rejoice in your strong hormones! Read pregnancy magazines, birth stories on the Internet, look through maternity clothing catalogs, do whatever you need to do to cheer yourself up also get yourself in the mood for a new baby.

8) More Misc. Tips

Try eating candied ginger or sipping ginger tea. I found ginger in capsules to be too harsh also they hurt terribly if they did come back up.

Brewer's yeast capsules work for some Moms.

Try sucking on lemon slices when you're feeling a wave of nausea.

Sip mint tea or chew mint gum to help dry up excessive salivating that may trigger nausea.

If you have trouble brushing your teeth due to an overactive gag reflex, switch to using baking soda for awhile. The foaming of regular toothpaste may be too much. And brush your teeth in shifts if you need to... first the top teeth, then a few minutes later the bottom teeth, then your tongue, etc.

Avoid getting overheated or chilled. Extremes in temperature can trigger vomiting.

Try Sea-Bands, available at large drug stores. They're designed for motion sickness however helps some pregnant women.

Go with your cravings, within reason. For some reason, pizza also Taco Bell always hit the spot during my pregnancies.

Clean the toilet daily, even if it's the only household chore you can do right now. Better yet, have someone else do it. And wear your hair up for awhile. If you're going to be throwing up, at least you will have your hair out of the way also a clean bowl to hug!

About the author:
Carrie Lauth, mom of 4, publishes a free newsletter for Moms doing things the natural way. Get your copy plus free subscriber goodies at:

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