Curbing Nausea

While every pregnancy is unique, one of the most common discomforts seen across the board is nausea. Some call it "morning sickness," but any woman who has experienced this delightful side effect will agree that the name should be changed to something such as, "all day, any time of the day sickness." When nausea strikes, it can be very uncomfortable and distracting. For some, it is a brief sensation that passes quickly. For others, nausea can be an extended nagging issue that severely limits their day-to-day activities. One thing that all women share is a desire to END the nausea! Yes, there are medications that women may take for serious cases of nausea, but there are also many natural and easy remedies that you can fashion for yourself right in your own home. Let's look at a few simple ways to curb that nausea...

Peppermint

The cool, crisp scent of peppermint is often enough to stop nausea dead in its tracks. There are many ways that you can use peppermint...

• Sip on peppermint tea. Keep one or two peppermint tea bags in your purse for those times when you are out and need quick relief.

• Peppermint oil. Take a sniff of the oil when needed. A small vial of peppermint oil is easy to keep on hand and very effective.

• Peppermint gum/mints. Pop in a mint or chew on a piece of gum to help get rid of the queasiness.

Ginger

It comes to no surprise that ginger is often the first thing people think of when they think of natural anti-nausea remedies, as it is incredibly effective! When ingested, ginger helps to neutralize stomach acid as well as relax stomach muscles. This decrease in acidity and calming effect on the stomach can greatly reduce feelings of nausea. Here are some ways that you can take ginger...

• Make a ginger tea.

• Grate some fresh ginger into hot water, adding honey and lemon if you desire.

• Suck on candied ginger.

• Incorporate fresh ginger into your cooking (salad dressings, stir fries, etc.).

• Take a ginger capsule.

• Drink real ginger ale.

Lemon

Both the smell and the taste of fresh lemon can help with nausea.

• Slice a lemon and enjoy the smell.

• Put fresh lemon into your water and sip throughout the day. This will also encourage you to take in more fluids.

• Cut up some lemon wedges and freeze them. When nausea strikes, suck on the frozen lemon wedges.

Acupressure

The most common acupressure point used for nausea is called the P6 point. This point is located on the underside of the lower arm, about two inches above the wrist. Here is how you do it...

Locate the P6 point on your lower arm

• Using your middle and index fingers, press firmly on the point. You should feel a large tendon on either side of your fingers.

• Continue to press firmly for 1-2 minutes.

This can also be done using bands that apply a continuous pressure on the P6 point. You can find these bands at most drugstores, as well as online (such as the one HERE)

Food and water

An empty stomach can exacerbate feelings of nausea, so make sure to keep food in your stomach. Eating 4-5 small meals a day, rather than the traditional 3 large meals can help keep nausea at bay. Keep crackers by your bedside and eat a few before getting out of bed in the morning. Also, remember to get plenty of fluids. Your body is working hard to nurture your little one and needs extra water to do its job.

Cool compress

Dampen a washcloth with cold water and place on the back of your neck for some relief.

Practice deep breathing and stretching

Muscle tension is often the culprit for recurrent nausea. Begin a habit of doing some simple neck and upper back stretches daily to help lessen muscle tension, promote better posture, and hopefully alleviate some of your nausea. These types of stretches will continue to be important after the baby arrives and you find yourself with increased upper back and neck tension due to nursing and carrying around your baby. During your stretching, practice deep breathing. When feeling nauseas, we often hold our breath or begin breathing short breaths, however this can lead to increased feelings of nausea.

Get your feet up and your head down

Sit down and elevate your feet to increase circulation and lessen feelings of dizziness. Putting your head between your knees can also help to decrease feelings of nausea.

Get some fresh air

Go outside and breathe in some fresh air! If you can't make it outside, sit in front of a fan and let the cool air touch your face.

Feel free to share some of your favorite remedies in the comments below!

#pregnancy #nausea #morningsickness