Many pregnancy discomforts can be relieved with good diet, hydration, gentle exercise, and rest. The recommended suggestions are a good starting point for improvement. If these suggestions don’t provide relief, then looking into additional therapies may be helpful. The herbs suggested are safe during pregnancy, although talk to your care provider for any additional questions or concerns.

MORNING SICKNESS, NAUSEA AND VOMITING

Causes: Hormonal changes, low blood sugar, strong smells, changes in the digestive system, oily foods, sweet, sugary foods, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, lack of exercise, fatigue, constipation, emotional stress around being pregnant. It can come on any time of the day. Generally starts around the 6th week and lasts until 14 weeks gestation.

Watch for: Excessive vomiting and nausea, which can lead to dehydration and malnutrition.

Recommended: Eat small frequent meals during the day, make every bite count by eating protein rich foods at every snack. Keep food, such as peanuts, almonds, whole wheat crackers, by your bed at night. Any time you wake, even if you don’t feel hungry, eat something. Eat every 1-2 hours during the day and some right before bed. Drink plenty of water, including lemon or cucumbers to the water can help refresh you. Take naps during the day. Have someone else cook for you. Avoid smells that increase nausea- perfumes, coffee, beer, filling your gas tank, road construction, etc. Get exercise and fresh air. Massage can help bring circulation to the body. Talk to friends, other pregnant women, a counselor, a midwife, or use a journal to express any stresses or concerns you have about you pregnancy. Anti-nausea bracelets have been shown to be helpful.

Note: It is likely that morning sickness is linked to a healthy pregnancy and baby. It has also been linked to decreased risk of breast cancer later in life.

Herbal: In small amounts, ginger is safe and recommended. Do not exceed 2 cups of tea a day. Dandelion root, chamomile tea, peppermint, spearmint, catnip, lemon balm, and umeboshi candies.

Additional therapies: Acupuncture, cranio-sacral, homeopathy.