Nausea is a common problem for pregnant women during the early weeks of pregnancy. While this symptom does not pose any risk, it can be an unpleasant experience. This condition which is also commonly known as morning sickness can interfere with normal activities. Moreover, the queasiness is often accompanied by vomiting which can cause distress. Typically, nausea will clear up over time without medical attention. However, if you are experiencing significant discomfort, you should consider using the outlined tips to manage the morning sickness.
Watch Your Eating Habits
Healthy eating habits can help you control nausea during pregnancy. Therefore, you should plan your meals with care to ensure that you are gaining enough nutrients while minimising the risk of getting an unsettled stomach. You should consider eating small portions of food throughout the day as opposed to having three large meals. Excess fullness will cause queasiness and even trigger vomiting. Small meals will prevent the feeling of hunger while limiting sickness.
You should note that failure to eat can also cause nausea. When one is hungry, the stomach still produces digestive enzymes and acid. Without food, these fluids will remain in the gut and trigger illness. You should avoid fatty foods, spices and caffeine. The richness of the flavours can be aggravating to the stomach. Instead, choose bland foods which will settle in the digestive tracks. Also, you should think about eating cold meals because they have no strong smells.
Ensure Proper Rest
Proper rest can help you manage nausea and vomiting. Lack of sleep causes strain on the body, increasing the risk of morning sickness symptoms. You should sleep or rest as much as possible at night and take some naps during the day. If you work night shifts, you should try to create an ideal environment when sleeping during the day. For example, you can use block-out curtains or sleep masks to control light. When resting, keep the rooms ventilated or place a fan close. You should also think about getting a maternity body pillow to support your back and abdomen as your body changes.
Minimise Potential Triggers
Finally, you should learn to recognise the triggers to your nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. For most women, strong smells will cause queasiness. Eliminate items with unpleasant odours during the duration and choose scentless alternatives. Flickering lights can also be problematic, so you should limit your exposure to irregular lights and flashing screens.
If you are experiencing unrelenting morning sickness, you should consult your antenatal specialist for treatment and more information on antenatal care.