Morning Sickness Remedies

While the cause(s) of the morning (um, or perhaps ALL DAY) sickness that accompanies many pregnancies remains a mystery, one thing is most certainly NOT a mystery- it is no fun. Whether you're running for the bathroom every ten minutes, or just trying to get through your day (or night) with a constant wave of nausea, there are things you can try to alleviate some of the discomfort. This list ranges from tips I've seen on websites, heard from my doctor, or, even better, tried myself!

• Eat small meals throughout the day. Many times an empty stomach will cause a sick feeling. Try to avoid greasy foods. Listen to your cravings- your body knows what it needs and can tolerate.
• Try sucking on small candies (personal faves: Jolly Ranchers and Lifesavers Wint-O-Greenmints). Another option are Preggie Pops, sold at Motherhood Maternity.
• Vitamin B6 (25-50 mg/day) or ginger supplements. These are available at any nutrition or drugstore (such as GNC). Consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
• Sea Bands These are amazing! They are small wristbands (easily concealed by long sleeve shirts/sweaters) that put slight (not painful at all) pressure on a pressure point associated with nausea.

• Sip some Gingerale.

• Keep a small tupperware of crackers next to your bed. When you wake up in the morning, sit up slowly and eat a couple of crackers before you get out of bed.
• Don't mix solid foods with liquids- the liquids can sit on top of the food in your stomach causing a sick feeling.
• Get plenty of sleep. Nap whenever possible.
• Take your prenatal vitamin at night before you go to sleep. It will be less likely to make you feel sick.
• Drink milk (or chocolate milk). It coats your stomach and helps to reduce some of the acid churning around.

Have some strategies of your own? Feel free to leave a comment with what worked for you!