Morning Sickness? Mum's the Word!

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Hugging the porcelain throne on a daily basis, Mama-to-be? Have you told your doctor? We're betting the answer is no.

The Scoop

Morning sickness is the most common medical condition in pregnancy, affecting up to 85 percent of all pregnant women. So why is it that in a national survey of more than 350 nurse practitioners, survey responders found that only 40 percent of patients actually report early pregnancy nausea and vomiting during prenatal checkups?

Researchers say it could be that moms-to-be don't think their prenatal care providers can offer much in the way of help for morning sickness. "Historically, there have been a limited number of treatment options available that are specifically designed for women suffering from nausea and vomiting in pregnancy," says Dr. Wesley Mark Todd, Senior Director of Medical Affairs at Upsher-Smith Laboratories Inc., who worked on the survey.

What Really Works

No, there is no cure for early pregnancy nausea. But there are some compelling reasons why women shouldn't keep silent about it: the survey revealed that nurse practitioners (NPs) are ready, willing, and more than able to dish out some pretty good advice on what works best—and what doesn't work at all—when it comes to morning sickness relief.

Top picks from NPs include vitamin B6 and ginger along with changes in lifestyle or diet. Other options? Getting enough rest, avoiding unpleasant smells, eating five or six meals a day instead of three in a bulk, avoiding spicy and fatty foods, and eating crackers before getting out of the bed in the morning.

Other studies, and even the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, have backed up the effectiveness of these morning sickness remedies as good first lines of defense against symptoms. Bottom line? It's worth a chat with your doctor or midwife to find out what might work for you.