How do I Deal with Nausea During Pregnancy?

Nausea during pregnancy is a common occurrence, usually appearing within the first few weeks. While there is no standard course of treatment, you can try a few simple tricks to relief your queasiness. Change the timing of meals and the types of foods you eat. Avoid foods with intense odors and stay hydrated. Women who experience constant, heavy vomiting during pregnancy should consult with their doctors to ensure the baby's health.

While the typical term for nausea during pregnancy is morning sickness, this can be a misnomer. Morning sickness may strike at any time of the day. It may even last all day.

Each woman experiences pregnancy differently. Nausea during pregnancy often begins at about the 4th to 6th week, and typically ends at about the 12th week. Some women, however, may experience morning sickness throughout nearly the entire pregnancy.

Nausea during pregnancy is usually not harmful, however, if you cannot keep food in your stomach, your baby is not getting the nutrients he needs. To help ward off nausea before it begins, some women find it helpful to keep a stack of plain crackers on a nightstand. Eat a few of them before getting out of bed in the morning. This may help settle the stomach before rising.

Focusing on eating small snacks throughout the day, rather than large meals, may also help relieve nausea. Avoid both cooking and eating spicy foods. Fatty, fried, and acidic foods may also irritate your digestive system. Determine if you have trigger foods, or foods that always seem to make you feel sick. Avoid eating these foods, or even having them in the house.

If odors trigger morning sickness, stick to foods that may be served cold or at room temperature. This usually cuts down on aromas. Sometimes, the scent of cooking may trigger queasiness. Some women ask their partner to cook for them, so that they can avoid the kitchen. While someone is cooking, open the windows and turn on a few fans to dissipate any odors.

Sip fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated. Women who vomit often may consume a sports drink to replace electrolytes. It can help to consume liquids a half hour before and after meals, but not during them.

Ginger can also help settle the stomach. Women may drink ginger tea or ginger ale, provided the soda contains real ginger. A ginger supplement may also help. Sniffing lemons or placing a lemon-flavored hard candy in the mouth may also provide relief.

If nausea during pregnancy persists and results in nearly constant vomiting, consult with your doctor. This may be hyperemesis gravidarum, which is severe vomiting that results in weight loss and electrolyte imbalance. Serious cases of this condition may require a hospital stay. Your doctor can determine the appropriate treatment plan for you.