How to Deal with Vomiting During Pregnancy

While some women sail through pregnancy with ease, for many it can be really difficult due to nausea and vomiting. Vomiting, also known as morning sickness, is a normal part of pregnancy, especially during the first three months (first trimester). In fact, more than 65 percent of women have this problem during pregnancy.

The exact cause of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is still not known. However, it is believed that rapid hormonal changes in the body may cause changes in the stomach’s muscle contraction and relaxation patterns, leading to nausea and vomiting.

Other contributing factors include certain odors, certain foods, fatigue, stress, anxiety, sensitive stomach, and vitamin or mineral deficiencies.

Nausea and vomiting may occur early in the morning and reduce as the day progresses. Some women have symptoms at other times during the day. For most, the problem resolves after the first trimester, but some may have it longer.

Hormonal changes :-

1. 1. During pregnancy, apart from various changes in many of the hormones, there occurs a rapid rise in a hormone called Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
   2. It is not clear if and how hCG contributes to nausea in pregnancy.

1. However, it is considered to be one of the main causes of vomiting and nausea as this hormone peaks around the same time when nausea and vomiting start hitting the pregnant woman.

Enhanced sense of smell :-

1. Pregnant women probably become more sensitive to odors.
2. The smell coming from certain foods or flowers or anything else may act as a trigger for nausea and vomiting.
3. This is sometimes related to the increased levels of the hormone estrogen but like other factors, this too is not an established fact.

Abnormal gastric motility :-

1. The gastrointestinal tracts of some pregnant women become more sensitive due to the changes they face during early pregnancy.
2. This is taken to be one of the causes for vomiting but as with other causes, it is not sure if this is also a valid reason for the same.

Psychology and stress :-

1. For some women, stress is what equates pregnancy.
2. This makes them psychologically prone to having nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
3. This is just a theory and it may be wrong too!

Lemon :-

Lemon can also help deal with vomiting during pregnancy. Its soothing smell has a natural calming effect on the body that can reduce nausea and prevent vomiting. Plus, the vitamin C in lemon is good for a pregnant woman as well as the unborn baby.

1. Squeeze a fresh lemon into a glass of water and add a little honey. Drink it every morning to start the day and prevent morning sickness.
2. You can even simply smell fresh lemon peels to ease nausea and vomiting symptoms during pregnancy.
3. You can also put some lemon essential oil into a handkerchief and sniff it whenever you feel a bout of nausea coming on. Having a lemon candy can also help.

Increase Vitamin B6 Intake :-

Although the exact reason is still not known, vitamin B6 has been found to help ease morning sickness in many pregnant women. Also, this vitamin causes no harm to the fetus and is considered safe during pregnancy.

1. You can take vitamin B6 supplements for morning sickness. The typical dose is 25 mg, 3 times a day. However, consult your gynecologist before taking this remedy.
2. A healthy, balanced diet high in vitamin B6 will also greatly help prevent vomiting during pregnancy. Eat foods high in vitamin B6 like brown rice, avocados, bananas, fish, corn and nuts.

Ginger :-

1. 1. You can take tablets or syrup containing ginger to treat nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
   2. If you decide to take a ginger-containing product, however, you should discuss it with your doctor, so you can take the right product for you.

1. Besides ginger products, other foods can also lessen vomiting symptoms, including fennel, lemons, limes, and peppermint.

Sip Water :-

1. Water is the best medicine when it comes to nausea and vomiting, especially during pregnancy.
2. Women who drink a glass of water every hour have been found to have a lower chance of having morning sickness.
3. Also, it helps keep your body hydrated, which is essential for any pregnant woman and her unborn baby.
4. Keep a glass of water beside your bed. Soon after waking up, take small sips. Allow some time for your stomach to settle down and then try to leave your bed.
5. Also, drink enough water throughout the day. This will help lift your mood, improve digestion and keep you healthy from within.

Snack on Crackers :-

1. Snacking on crackers in the morning just after waking up is a great way to stop nausea and prevent vomiting during pregnancy.
2. Crackers are rich in carbohydrates and bland in flavor, and thus help settle the stomach by soaking up acids accumulated during the night.
3. Keep a box of crackers by your bed and eat a few before getting up in the morning.
4. Allow some time for digestion and then leave your bed slowly. Make sure to eat the crackers before you get hungry and before nausea occurs.

Red Raspberry Leaf :-

According to many herbalists, the leaves of red raspberries can prevent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy by relaxing the smooth muscles of the uterus. Plus, these leaves are rich in B vitamins as well as calcium, iron and magnesium that are essential for a healthy pregnancy.

1. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried red raspberry leaves to 1 cup of hot water.
2. Cover and steep for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain.
3. Drink this tea first thing in the morning.

Note: As red raspberry leaves may cause uterine contractions, consult your doctor before using this remedy.