Try These 5 Holistic Tips to Combat Morning Sickness

As many mothers can attest, “morning sickness” can be a very misleading term, since morning sickness can occur all day long. Morning sickness can range from a mild inconvenience to totally debilitating.

For most moms, morning sickness peaks around week nine as hormone levels surge and subsides by the time they are in the second trimester (thankfully).

With that said, some women experience it early on, and it can also extend the entire duration of pregnancy.

Extreme morning sickness, hyperemesis gravidarum, is a condition that needs medical attention. If you’re experiencing constant morning sickness, reach out to your primary healthcare provider.

It’s also important to note some women don’t experience any nausea and vomiting during their pregnancy and that is not a cause for concern either. They are the rare, lucky ladies who can sail through the first trimester with ease.

The exact reason for morning sickness isn’t entirely agreed upon by the medical community. But most people attribute nausea and vomiting to a sudden increase in hormones (estrogen, progesterone and hCG) that occurs the moment a woman becomes pregnant.

These hormone levels rapidly increase during the first trimester and then reach a steady-state in the second trimester, which is said to be why most women feel better once they’ve made it through the first trimester.

Thankfully, there are things you can do to keep morning sickness at bay or at least decrease its severity.
 

Try These 5 Holistic Tips to Combat Morning Sickness:

Regardless of what time of day you may be experiencing morning sickness, these holistic tips can help you find relief. Be sure to consult with your healthcare practitioner to see what’s best for you to incorporate.
 

1. Eat Frequent Small Meals

Most women experience the most intense nausea first thing in the morning because their stomach is empty after (hopefully) sleeping through the night. Therefore, having crackers or something bland by your bedside is key.

It’s helpful to eat something the moment you wake up and then continue with small, frequent meals throughout the day.
 

2. Vitamin B6

This vitamin has been shown to be helpful in decreasing nausea. It’s easily found at most health food stores and can be taken preventatively to keep nausea at bay.
 

3. Acupressure and Acupuncture

Certain areas of the body are helpful for decreasing nausea and vomiting. Your acupuncturist can show you some points to press on, such as pericardium 6, to help with nausea.

Plus, it’s really nice to be able to give yourself thirty minutes to just lay down and breathe while you receive the benefits of acupuncture. There are also acupressure bracelets you can wear throughout the day.

Want additional techniques to reduce nausea? Read: 5 Prenatal Yoga Poses to Relieve Morning Sickness
 

4. Sleep as Much as Possible

This one is easier said than done, especially as insomnia is also a common concern in pregnancy.

It’s helpful to squeeze in a mid-day nap, and make sure you’re in bed early to get a good night’s sleep. Exhaustion can make nausea far worse, so sleep as much as you can, as often as you can!
 

It’s important to listen to your body during this transitional time.

 
Many women have a hard time slowing down and adjusting to their new energy limits. Even if you don’t look pregnant yet, just remember how much energy and work it is to be growing your little babe inside! Take it easy, mama.

Looking for ways to relax and help with sleep? Read: Ease Your Pregnancy with These 7 Relaxing Prenatal Yoga Poses
 

5. Ginger

Ginger is known for its anti-nausea properties and is one of the best herbs for nausea and there are a few ways you can consume it during pregnancy. One way is to buy ginger chews/ginger candies as the sweetness also helps with subsiding nausea.

Another option is to take high-dose ginger extract tablets available at most health food stores. The benefit of the high dose is it’s in a therapeutic amount to reduce nausea levels. The third option is to drink ginger tea, which can also help settle your upset stomach.

Ginger is often cited for its ability to ease morning sickness. It also contains powerful antioxidants.
 
 

Ease Morning Sickness With These Holistic Tips

Morning sickness can be a wild and frustrating ride for many expecting moms. Although the days in the first trimester can be very long, you’ll be cruising into your second trimester before you know it.

Not every holistic remedy works for everyone in the same way, so it’s always a bit of trial and error. Try incorporating these 5 tips as best as you can to see how much of a difference it can make for you!

You’re doing great mama. Take it day by day, keep breathing, and make sure to take more time for yourself than usual to relax, unwind and just be.
 

Take This Online Prenatal Yoga Program on YA Classes

Did you know that prenatal yoga can help prepare your body for childbirth? Join prenatal yoga instructor Jess Rose as she guides you through classes designed for each stage of your pregnancy in this full online program on YA Classes.

All included information is not intended to treat or diagnose. The views expressed are those of the author and should be attributed solely to the author. For medical questions, please consult your healthcare provider.