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While pregnancy is a magical journey, the common symptoms of pregnancy do not feel like anything magic. The mood swings, back pain, nausea, swelling feet, headaches, and food cravings are just a few of the pregnancy symptoms that women have to go through. It’s not a walk in the park and requires support and care from your near and dear ones. If you’re a pregnant woman reading this, you’ll probably agree that one of the biggest struggles for pregnant women is experiencing morning sickness. It’s usually the first sign of pregnancy and can be very uncomfortable and exhausting. For most women, it lasts for up to three months, i.e., during the first trimester and goes away after that. However, for some women, it can be severe (1).
While morning sickness does not require medical attention, it can cause dehydration and weight loss in extreme cases. It usually starts around six weeks and disappears after 12 weeks of pregnancy, but different women experience it differently. It’s the most common symptom of pregnancy that occurs in over 50% of pregnant women. You might be tempted to take medication for your symptoms but avoid any medicine unless it is prescribed by your doctor.
What Should You Do To Manage Morning Sickness?
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Medical experts say that morning sickness can be managed in several ways. Proper diet, exercise, rest, and enough hydration may reduce symptoms considerably. Certain smells, tastes, or even temperatures in some cases trigger a nauseous state which can be tiring. Severe vomiting may even lead to dizziness and dehydration. So what should you do to manage morning sickness? Read this article to find out:
1. Get Plenty Of Rest
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Always ensure that you get a good night’s rest because your body needs it. Napping during the day might help but avoid doing it right after a meal. If you have trouble sleeping, try wearing an eye mask to block out any light or use dark curtains in your room. Go to bed early and wake up early after a good 8-9 hours of sleep. Avoid using sleeping pills unless your doctor advises you to.
2. Exercise Your Mind And Body
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Keep your mind and body active. Talk to your doctor and get an approved exercise routine into your daily schedule. Also, keep your mind busy by reading, drawing, painting, or even singing. You could take short walks around the block or watch your favorite television show.
3. What To Eat: Foods That Help With Morning Sickness
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You might feel an aversion towards certain types of foods and aromas. Your favorite food pre-pregnancy might be something you cannot bear to eat. It happens, it’s okay. But if you’re wondering what foods help you get through this challenging time, here’s a list for you (2):
4. Avoid Spicy Foods
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Foods that have an overpowering flavor or smell might trigger nausea. Fatty and oily foods may have the same effect. Caffeine also increases the chances of triggering the release of a stomach acid which may make you uncomfortable. Therefore, choose bland foods.
5. Eat Small Portions
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Eat small portions to avoid vomiting. Keeping your stomach empty might also trigger nausea. Therefore, eat small quantities, so your stomach is not empty but at the same time does not increase your chances of vomiting.
6. Try Cold Foods
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Cold foods may ease nausea because it reduces the smells of the food that might be triggering nauseating feelings. Potassium-rich fruits are also a great option. You can eat pears, bananas, cold applesauce, or any citrus fruits to prevent morning sickness.
7. Consume Carbohydrates
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Foods rich in carbohydrates like baked potatoes, rice, and dry toast are suitable options to help you ease nausea.
8. Snack On Proteins
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A protein-rich breakfast may be helpful. You could also try eating a protein-rich snack before going to bed to help regulate your glucose levels at night. Having a protein snack in the morning before getting out of bed may also be helpful.
Morning sickness might not be dangerous or fatal, but it is uncomfortable and can tire you out completely. We hope these tips help ease your morning sickness. Comment below and let us know if you’ve experienced morning sickness and what you’ve done to tackle the issue.
