Pregnancy is a beautiful journey. However, for many, the joy can be tempered by the persistent discomfort of nausea, particularly in the first trimester. This is commonly referred to as ‘Morning Sickness’ – although, in reality, these symptoms are not restricted to the morning.
Nausea and vomiting are said to affect up to 70% of pregnancies. While most women find their nausea and vomiting subside by the end of the first trimester, for some, their symptoms continue until delivery.
Whilst it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider for severe cases, there are several tips and tricks for natural remedies that may aid in alleviating the symptoms of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Let’s explore some gentle and natural solutions that could make this phase a little more manageable.
- Ginger: Ginger has been known for its anti-nausea properties for many centuries. It is believed to improve nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and is likened to similar properties to pharmacological agents such as ondansetron. Studies have shown women who ingested ginger during these trying times found great benefits compared to their placebo counterparts who didn’t ingest ginger. Ginger can be consumed in various forms such as ginger tea, ginger candies, or even ginger-infused water.
- Peppermint: Peppermint has a soothing effect on the digestive system and can help alleviate nausea. You can try sipping on peppermint tea or inhaling the aroma of peppermint oil. Alternatively, you could try peppermint candies or chewing gum. To ease queasiness.
- Small frequent meals: Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. Skipping meals can make nausea worse. Opt for bland and easy-to-digest foods such as crackers or toast.
- Hydration: Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy can lead to a further lack of hydration (and even further loss of hydration status through loss of fluids) as many women don’t drink extra fluids to compensate for the losses. It is critical to continue drinking fluids throughout your day in between meals to avoid dehydration and maintain optimal hydration during a time of increased hydration needs. Severe dehydration in pregnancy can lead to serious consequences for both the mother and baby.
HydroBump was crafted with this in mind. We created a mild, low-sugar, gluten-free flavored hydration booster to help women stay hydrated and keep up with the increased water needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding (despite the nausea). We hope to also take the edge off the nausea and keep women afloat during those trying times.
I personally had a significant aversion to the taste of water during my pregnancy which made it almost impossible to drink enough to keep up with my hydration needs – so I really really get it. And that’s why we’re here to help.
Experiencing nausea during pregnancy is a common occurrence and finding the right natural remedies that work for you may require some experimentation. It is critical to speak to your healthcare professional about any persistent symptoms or if you are unable to tolerate fluids.
By incorporating these gentle and natural solutions into your daily routine, you can hopefully make the journey through morning sickness a bit smoother, allowing you to focus on the exciting moments that pregnancy brings.
