Managing Morning Sickness: Care Instructions

Overview

Morning sickness is nausea, sometimes with vomiting, during pregnancy. It occurs most often during the first several months of pregnancy. It usually gets better in the second trimester.

It's likely that your hormones are causing your morning sickness. But you can do things to feel better. You can change what and how you eat, avoid certain foods and smells, and ask your doctor about medicines you can try.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Keep food in your stomach, but not too much at once. Your nausea may be worse if your stomach is empty. Eat five or six small meals a day instead of three large meals.
• For nausea when you wake up, eat a small snack, such as a couple of crackers or pretzels, before rising. Allow a few minutes for your stomach to settle before you slowly get up.
• Drink enough fluids. Water and other caffeine-free drinks are good choices.
• Try to avoid smells and foods that make you feel nauseated. High-fat or greasy foods, milk, and coffee may make nausea worse. Some foods that may be easier to tolerate include cold, spicy, sour, and salty foods.
• Try foods and drinks made with ginger, such as ginger tea, ginger ale, and crystallized ginger. Ginger may help with nausea.
• If you are taking iron supplements, ask your doctor if they are necessary. Iron can make nausea worse.
• Get lots of rest. Stress and fatigue can make your morning sickness worse.
• Try a P6 acupressure wrist band. These anti-nausea wristbands help some people. You can buy them at most drugstores.
• Take your prenatal vitamins at night on a full stomach.
• Ask your doctor about taking prescription medicine, or over-the-counter products such as vitamin B6 or doxylamine to relieve your symptoms. Your doctor can tell you the doses that are safe for you.