Morning Sickness: Tips & Tricks

by | Oct 30, 2013 | Digestive health, Pregnancy Support | 4 comments

image via http://everydayroots.com/

image via http://everydayroots.com/

If you’re like the large majority of women, it’s highly likely you’ll experience some sort of morning sickness during your pregnancy.

However, feeling queasy and nauseous (with or without vomiting) may not be limited to mornings only – and for many women it would probably be more accurately termed ‘all day sickness’.

An unfortunate side effect of the otherwise wonderful event that is pregnancy!

Happily, these symptoms usually begin to fade towards the end of the first trimester (first 12 weeks). Some women, however, can still feel nauseous up to 20 weeks and even later into their pregnancy.

I’ve written before about my top tips for beating morning sickness, but I think it’s a topic worth revisiting. Particularly as I often see women who are looking for help, but aren’t sure where to start.

— If I could give you just one piece of advice, it would be this: don’t get hungry! —

Eating regularly can have a huge impact on how you feel. It keeps your blood sugar levels constant and prevents the dips that can result in waves of nausea. And often by the time you feel sick, the thought of food can be hard to take. It also helps to keep energy levels up, which tend to take a hit in early pregnancy for many women.

— Your best bet: eat little and eat often. —

Focus on healthy, nutritious foods, particularly those rich in protein, good fats and complex carbohydrates. Some ideas of snack-meals to have on hand include:

morning sickness oatsNatural yoghurt
Avocado / nut butter on toast / crackers
A handful of nuts
Eggs (boiled eggs are a very convenient snack to have on hand)
A small salad with fish/meat/chicken/tempeh
Legumes (such as in a lentil soup)
Baked beans
A small smoothie
Vegetable sticks +/- hummus / nut butter / guacamole
Soaked muesli
Porridge

… this is just a start, but as you can see there are plenty of options that can be tailored to your pantry, budget and personal preferences.

To read more about general tips to quell queasiness, you can see my previous blog on the topic and the article I wrote for Mouths of Mums earlier this year.

You’re also welcome in the clinic, of course, where we can work on a health plan that is tailored specifically for you.

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Have you suffered morning sickness? What did you find worked best?