“Why is it called morning sickness when I feel sick all of the time?” Well, apparently morning sickness is more likely to occur earlier in the day. Some women find it occurs all day long! Never underestimate the changes your body is going through. Early on, you may not look pregnant but during early pregnancy hormones rush through your body like never before. That nauseas feeling can start as early as 6 weeks and tends to peak around the eighth and ninth weeks. Check out our top tips for dealing with morning sickness.
- Eat little and often. Always have on hand, (in your bag, on your desk and in your car), a supply of crackers, fruit, nuts and other healthy snacks. Try not to allow yourself to get hungry and do not skip meals. Avoid hot, spicy foods. You may prefer cold meals to hot meals. Try and eat some crackers or toast before getting out of bed in the morning.
- Ginger is a common remedy for morning sickness. It has been used for centuries in cooking and medicinally. Try herbal teas containing ginger or make your own ginger tea using fresh ginger, lemon and honey with hot water. Also keep crystallised ginger in your bag for those times when you are away from the house.
- Try Peppermint Essential Oil. The aroma of peppermint can help a queasy stomach. Fill a large bowl with hot water. Place two drops of peppermint essential oil in the bowl and place it on a table near your bed. Or use an aromatherapy diffuser.
- Take a break. Tiredness plays a big part in morning sickness so take naps and go to bed early whenever you can.
- Many women have a heightened sense of smell during pregnancy and certain smells can cause nausea. Try to open windows to let in fresh air, avoid hot places and carry a hanky in your pocket which has a dash of essential oil on it (eg lemon oil). If you can’t avoid an offensive smell, hold the hanky to your nose!
- Stay hydrated. It sounds like a no-brainer, but getting your eight glasses a day can feel like a monumental effort when your stomach won't keep anything down. Despite that, it's essential to get your liquids in because the more dehydrated you become, the more nauseated you'll feel.
- Schedule a mini-break from work at around week 8 or 9 of your pregnancy. Don’t plan anything too strenuous, maybe just some time at home relaxing.
- Distract yourself. Nausea is not easy to ignore, but finding something to take your mind off it may help you forget it for a while. Read a book, do a puzzle, or go for a short walk, meet a friend.
- Be prepared. If your morning sickness is causing you to throw up then at lease be prepared. In your bag pack, toothbrush and toothpaste, mouthwash, chewing gum, wet wipes, plastic bag (yes, in case you don’t make it to the bathroom), mints and salty snacks.
- Try some natural remedies, such as Preggie Pops, Quease-Ease, Sea-bands, Morning Med by Naturo Pharm or Blackmores Morning Sickness Formula.
If morning sickness becomes extreme and you can’t keep down food or liquids then talk to your doctor and lead maternity carer. It is not uncommon to need extra help from medical professionals.