How to Prevent Vomiting and Nausea While Pregnant

Morning sickness, nausea, and vomiting are some of the most common afflictions that women experience during pregnancy. The American Pregnancy Association even states that it could affect up to 70% of women at some point throughout their pregnancies.

No one likes getting sick, and vomiting and nausea during pregnancy can cause great discomfort and interference in the daily lives of women who struggle with it. You may have to pull over the car on your way to work because you’re feeling ill, or excuse yourself from a meeting when your stomach starts to feel queasy. Maybe you run to the bathroom first thing when you wake up in the morning. You’re probably wondering what you can do to help combat the feeling.

The good news is that morning sickness usually goes away or greatly lessens in intensity by the end of the first trimester, but some women need help now. Here’s how to prevent vomiting and nausea during pregnancy.

Trust in The Power of Ginger

Ginger has long been touted as a natural way to fight nausea, and some doctors recommend it to women who are struggling with morning sickness. It’s an ancient medicinal technique that dates back centuries to Asian culture, though over the years, it’s been proven to work. It’s recommended that patients use real ginger when trying to combat nausea. Beverages like ginger ale often don’t contain enough of the active ingredient to have much of an effect.

Stay In-Tune With Your Body

Many pregnant women find that certain smells or tastes make them nauseous and more prone to vomiting. Keep a list of when you tend to get sick so that you can find the patterns. Maybe it’s a certain perfume or the smell of green beans. The sense of taste and smell is greatly heightened during pregnancy, so even the slightest scents may trigger vomiting and nausea. Once you’ve identified your triggers, it will be easier to avoid them.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated to replace lost fluids is important not only in response to vomiting, but it can also help calm your stomach. Water, lightly carbonated beverages, and beverages that are low in sugar and caffeine-free are your best options.

Keep Eating, but Don’t Go Crazy

It can be difficult to keep eating when you’re experiencing nausea. Most likely, you won’t have an appetite if you’ve been vomiting, but both you and your baby need food to keep going. Try little bites of plain foods at first, like crackers, plain toast, or clear broth soup.

An empty stomach can make nausea worse, so remember to keep eating small portions throughout the day. Try to stay away from foods that are extra spicy, greasy, or heavy. They may make nausea worse and provoke vomiting or heartburn.

Know When It’s Time to Seek Help

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition that affects about 3% of pregnant women. It’s morning sickness but magnified. Women who experience this condition need medical attention to help solve the problem, as it can become quite dangerous for both mom and baby.

Side effects include severe and persistent vomiting that can lead to dehydration, fainting, weight loss, and prevent women from participating in daily life and obligations. It cannot usually be solved with over-the-counter or at-home remedies. If you’re experiencing intense, long-lasting nausea and vomiting, or symptoms that don’t seem to improve no matter what you do, talk to your OB/GYN.

A Note from GR8NESS

Every pregnancy is unique, and each woman responds differently to various treatments and remedies. Before taking any over-the-counter supplements, check with your doctor to ensure the safety of them for both you and your baby.