Morning Sickness Solutions

Pressure Points

Originally designed as a non-drug aid to ease seasickness, inexpensive acupressure bands can prevent or end nausea for some women. These wristbands—which exert gentle pressure on the acupressure point under the wrist—are usually available at drugstores.

In addition to acupressure, acupuncture treatments have also been found to relieve symptoms in women experiencing morning sickness, particularly those with severe cases.

What's that Smell?

To their dismay, many women find the extra keen sense of smell that can accompany pregnancy worsens their morning sickness, and foods with strong odors aggravate their nausea. If this is true for you, it may help to have someone else do the grocery shopping and/or the cooking for awhile.

Gentle as Ginger

Ginger is an old-fashioned remedy that works well for some expecting women. Try munching on a gingersnap when nausea strikes or sipping a cup of ginger tea.

The Vitamin Shuffle

Those prenatal vitamins can really do a number on the stomach. If you've got this problem, you may want to mention it to your doctor or midwife; perhaps she wouldn't mind you taking your vitamin just before bed so you can sleep through its side effects. You may also want to take your vitamin with food.

Some physicians will also prescribe an extra dose of vitamin B-6 to help with nausea. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking extra vitamins.

Relax!

This is sometimes easier said than done (especially for women with children) but it's important to give your body plenty of rest and release from stress during pregnancy.

One Final Note

If you find that you are throwing up so often that you can't hold anything down, it is important to talk to your doctor or midwife. While this problem, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, is serious, it can be treated.