The name "morning sickness" is slightly deceiving, as nausea in pregnancy can strike at any time of the day. While the exact causes of morning sickness are not known, it is thought to be partially the result of rising hormone levels in early pregnancy. At least half of all expectant mothers will experience this early symptom of pregnancy. According to the American Pregnancy Association's website, it usually starts around the sixth week and lasts until 12th week, and it could be a sign that the placenta is developing well. Also, according to a May 6, 2009 Telegraph UK article, a study done by the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, showed "children were more likely to do better in intelligence tests if their mothers had experienced nausea and vomiting during pregnancy."
While morning sickness might be a good thing as far as the developing baby is concerned, it can be very difficult on the mother. Luckily, there are several remedies for morning sickness that can help to elevate the nausea and give the mother some relief.
Ginger for Morning Sickness
Ginger has long had a reputation as an anti-nausea herb and it is safe to take during pregnancy in small doses. One way it can be taken is as a tea. Look for it in the natural foods section of the grocery store or buy fresh ginger root from the produce section, grate it into water, boil it for about ten minutes, strain it, and enjoy. Many women mistakenly think that they can just drink some ginger ale. Unfortunately many ginger ales use artificial flavoring, so be sure to look on the package to see if it is made with real ginger.
Herbs for Morning Sickness
Mothernature.com takes Dr. James A Duke's advice from his 1997 book, The Green Pharmacy, and recommends the use of ginger to ease a queasy stomach during pregnancy along with peppermint and raspberry leaves. The best way to take these herbs would be in a tea. These can easily be ordered online or found in a health food store. Peppermint tea is usually sold in most conventional grocery stores. Drink two to three cups a day if needed. The different teas can even be combined into one for a more powerful morning sickness fighter.
Avoid Triggers for Morning Sickness
Many women experience a more sensitive sense of smell during pregnancy and the smells of certain foods can trigger morning sickness for them. Pay attention to when the nausea strikes and see if it is a certain smell that triggers it. If so, try to avoid that smell if possible.
Stay Full to Avoid Morning Sickness
Some women notice that nausea in pregnancy will strike when their stomachs are empty. This is especially true in the morning after having not eaten all night. Keep some crackers, granola bars, or dry cereal beside the bed and eat it before getting up in the morning. Keep healthy snacks close by at all times and nibble on them throughout the day to help avoid bouts of morning sickness.
Talk to a Doctor for Morning Sickness Relief
Sometimes morning sickness will require medical intervention for a woman to feel relief. There are some motion sickness pills that can help as well as some other medications. Do not take anything without discussing it with a doctor first. Many medications and herbs can have a negative effect on the developing baby or could cause a miscarriage.
References:
The American Pregnancy Association
Telegraph.co.uk; Devlin, Kate, "Morning sickness 'increases the chance that child will have high IQ," (May 6, 2009)
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