Morning Sickness

If the nausea and vomiting are continuous or severe, talk to your doctor. While morning sickness during your first trimester is generally considered normal, nausea and vomiting after the twelfth or thirteenth week may be indicative of a serious problem. The following natural therapies work quite well for most women.

Nutrition

Your body is telling you what to eat and what not to eat, so it's probably best to follow its advice. Start your day with wholegrain toast, crackers, brown rice, oats, or wheat germ. Small amounts throughout the day often reduce nausea.

Although it's important to take in lots of nutrients during pregnancy, don't force yourself to eat large meals. If you feel nauseated, try chewing a piece of fresh ginger or sucking on a slice of lemon or lime. Sip on water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Herbal and Vitamin Supplements

Ginger root (Zingiber officinale) is an all-time favourite among naturopaths and midwives. A study in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (2001) reported that 28 of 32 pregnant women supplementing ginger had improvement in nausea symptoms compared with 10 of 35 in the placebo group. Researchers found no adverse effect of ginger on pregnancy outcome. Drink a fresh cup of ginger tea two to three times daily or take 300 mg of the capsule form three times daily.

Camomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Red Raspberry (Rubus strigosus) help some women with morning sickness. Drink the tea form throughout the day.

Vitamin K has been shown to relieve morning sickness. Take 5 mg daily or receive injections or intravenous administration by your doctor.

Vitamin B₆, in double blind studies, has been found to be effective. Take 25 mg of the supplement form three times daily. B₆ injections or intravenous administration by your doctor may be even more effective. The injection form was helpful for my wife during her third pregnancy.

Homeopthic Helpers

Homeopathic remedies work quickly and are easy and safe to use. Take a low potency (6X, 12X, 30X, or 6C, 30C) as needed for relief of nausea and vomiting. Choose the remedy that best matches your symptoms.

Colchicum

Consider this remedy for nauseousness from the smell or sight of food, especially eggs and fish.

Ipecacuanha

This supplement is safe and effective during pregnancy. Characteristic symptoms for this remedy are constant nausea that is not relieved by vomiting.

Nux vomica

Women requiring Nux vomica usually feel irritable. Along with the nauseousness and vomiting may be constipation and heartburn. Take a low potency (6X, 12X, 30X, or 6C, 30C) as needed for relief of these symptoms.

Tabacum

Women who benefit from this remedy have tremendous nausea and a sinking feeling in their stomach. Any movement makes them nauseous.

Sepia is helpful when odours trigger morning sickness. There is a strong craving for sweets, vinegar, and sour foods.

Lacticum acidum is for women who feel morning sickness as soon as they wake up. They experience increased salivation and a burning sensation in the stomach that feels better after eating.

Pulsatilla pratensis is for women who crave sweets and creamy foods but gets digestive upset from them. They tend to be weepy and easily upset.

Acupuncture and Acupressure

Acupuncture and acupressure has been found to be effective for morning sickness. Commercial acupressure wristbands that relieve nausea are available. For best acupuncture results, consult with a qualified acupuncturist.

I recommend that women try these natural remedies as a safe and effective way to reduce and prevent morning sickness.