Tips for Dealing with Morning Sickness
By Cherie Brunetti, Contributing Editor
Ok, so we’ve already discussed some myths surrounding morning sickness. How about some ideas to cope with it. Some enlightened, sensitive person may tell you that morning sickness is not real and it is all in your mind. Try not to punch this person in the head and instead read some tips for dealing with morning sickness.
1. Try eating several small meals during the day. Keeping something on your stomach may help reduce feeling of nausea.
2. If possible, limit your time in front of the computer. The flickering of the monitor may actually exacerbate stomach upset.
3. Rest as much as possible. Being stressed and tired will only make you feel worse.
4. Try to exercise. This may seem like an idiotic suggestion when you are hugging porcelain several times a day but light exercise during this stage of your pregnancy will help you feel healthier and more energized.
5. Eat fruit. For many women, meats, fish, and anything strong smelling can trigger nausea during morning sickness. When I was feeling like crap, I could usually eat fruit when I couldn’t tolerate anything else.
6. Wear loose clothing. Although you are probably not showing yet, wearing tight or snug clothing around your tummy can contribute to nausea. Even though it isn’t necessary yet, you may want consider wearing maternity pants.
7. Talk with your doctor about your prenatal vitamins. I tried several kinds and they all made me ill. My doctor recommended taking two Flintstones vitamins per day because children’s vitamins are easier to digest. I am happy to report that Dino did not make me toss my cookies.
8. Many women find that mint soothes their stomach. You can drink caffeine free mint tea, eat mint candies, or actually chew on mint leaves. I found that spearmint gum helped me quite a bit.
9. Eating some crackers before bed may help stop stomach upset from waking you up in the middle of the night. You may also find it helpful to keep some crackers and a glass of water on your bedside table. Eating a few crackers before you even get out of bed may help reduce nausea in the morning.
Sometimes the best (and only!) thing you can do is remind yourself that these feelings are not going to last forever. For most women, morning sickness is only problematic for the first trimester.
