How can I cope with morning sickness? | NHS

How Can I Cope with Morning Sickness? | NHS

Understanding Morning Sickness

Morning sickness, or nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, is a common experience among pregnant women. Typically, it occurs in the first trimester but can persist beyond this period for some women. While it's usually not harmful to the baby, it can be uncomfortable and disruptive to your daily routine.

Dietary Adjustments for Morning Sickness

Making certain adjustments to your diet can help alleviate symptoms of morning sickness:

• Small, Frequent Meals: Eating small but frequent meals can help keep your stomach from becoming either too full or too empty, both of which can exacerbate nausea.
• Avoiding Trigger Foods: Spicy, greasy, and highly aromatic foods can often trigger nausea. Opt for bland, easy-to-digest foods instead.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking fluids, especially between meals rather than during them, can help manage nausea. Sipping ginger tea or sucking on ice chips may also be beneficial.

Lifestyle Changes for Relief

Certain lifestyle changes and habits can counteract morning sickness:

• Get Plenty of Rest: Fatigue can aggravate nausea, so be sure to get adequate sleep and take naps if necessary.
• Fresh Air: Sometimes, simply getting some fresh air can help reduce nausea. Try taking short walks outside or keeping windows open for good ventilation.
• Avoid Strong Odours: Strong smells can trigger nausea, so try to avoid areas with strong cooking smells, smoke, or other intense scents.

Medical Treatments and Remedies

If lifestyle and dietary changes aren’t sufficient, consulting with your healthcare provider may be necessary:

• Vitamin B6 Supplements: Some studies show that Vitamin B6 can help reduce nausea. Consult your GP before starting any new supplements.
• Antiemetic Medications: In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe antiemetic medications to help control vomiting and nausea.
• Acupressure Wristbands: Some women find relief using acupressure wristbands, which are designed to apply pressure on points associated with nausea reduction.

When to Seek Medical Advice

It's essential to know when to seek medical advice for morning sickness:

• If you are unable to keep any food or liquids down
• If you experience severe weight loss
• If you feel dehydrated or faint
• If you have dark urine or don’t urinate for more than 8 hours

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your GP or midwife immediately. Severe cases of morning sickness might require medical supervision and can sometimes be a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which needs prompt treatment.

For more information, visit the NHS website.