Nausea in Pregnancy

Remedies For Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy

For many women, nausea and vomiting may occur during the early months of pregnancy. For most women, nausea resolves around the start of the second trimester, 14 weeks, but for some women, it may last longer into the pregnancy. Although this is often referred to as “morning sickness,” it can happen any time of the day or night.

Pregnancy nausea is thought to be caused by the increased hormone levels, estrogen and progesterone, that are produced by the ovaries early in pregnancy. Because of increasing levels of these hormones, the secretory cells in the stomach increase their production of gastric juices, at the same time the bowels slow down their ability to empty the contents of the stomach. This can cause the feeling of nausea and in some cases, vomiting.

Tips and Tricks to Help

• Keep some saltine or graham crackers at your bedside and eat them before you get out of bed in the morning.
• Get out of bed slowly in the morning.
• Slow position changes, from sitting to standing, etc.
• Sip carbonated soda, caffeine-free (Sprite, 7Up, etc.).
• Increase fluid intake, try lemon slices in water, lemonade, and Lemonhead candy. May try sparkling water instead of plain, as the carbonation may help.
• Peppermint hard candy or peppermint gum. No peppermint essential oils.
• Avoid greasy, fried, or spicy foods.
• Avoid smells that bother you.
• Eat small, frequent meals or snacks, every two to three hours.
• Increase protein intake (eggs, cheese, nuts, meats, yogurt).
• Rest when able.
• Get some fresh air. Breathe through your nose.
• Sea-Bands.
• Ginger tea or Ginger ale.
• Ginger tablets 250-500mg two or three times/day.
• Vitamin B6, 25mg, three to four times/day (up to 200mg/day).
• Unisom (Doxylamine) 12.5mg two times/day or 25mg before bed. This is a sleep aid and may cause you to feel drowsy.

If you are unable to keep any fluids or food down for 24 hours or more, please call the office.