Whether you’ve been caught by surprise or this was meticulously planned, pregnancy is a very exciting time. But those first few months – or maybe even longer – can be more than a little trying when you feel nauseous throughout a good portion of the day. You’ll learn very quickly that it’s not just as the name would suggest: ‘morning sickness.’
Here are some easy things you can do to feel better:
- Eat small frequent meals. Instead of 3 regular meals, break that up into 6 smaller meals. You’ll probably feel better if you always have a little something in your stomach.
- Avoid fried and spicy foods by choosing some stomach-friendly options. Lean protein – such as turkey - is usually tolerated very well. Other examples are
starchy carbohydrates, such as breads, potatoes and bananas.
- Do not lie down for at least 2 hours after eating and have a few bites of saltine crackers before getting out of bed in the morning.
- Carbonated clear sodas – such as Sprite and Ginger Ale - may help your nauseated feeling. Popsicles are another good choice.
If you still feel nauseous and need more relief, try taking Vitamin B6 10-25mg up to four times a day. Some studies have found it to be beneficial in relieving nausea. Combining a dose of Vitamin B6 with the sleep agent Unisom is also effective if you are on your way to bed. You might also try drinking ginger tea several times a day or taking ginger in a pill form 2 to 3 times a day.
Finally, if you still don’t feel better, if you have lost more than 10% of your baseline weight or if you are unable to keep sips of water down, talk to your health care provider. The doctor may be able to provide a prescription medicine that is stronger, but may be more helpful in combating your nausea. Your provider can also screen you for any other serious problems that may be going on.
by: Jill Mauldin, M.D.