Remedies That Help Relieve Nausea During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, it is common for many women to be affected by morning sickness particularly in the first trimester. While most morning sickness does not require additional medical treatment, knowing how to relieve the symptoms is important. There are many remedies that are suggested to help alleviate the nausea of morning sickness.
There is not a single remedy that is effective for all women; consequently, it may be necessary to try several remedies in order to find one that is helpful. Among the more commonly known pregnant nausea remedies are avoiding those foods and smells that seem to trigger nausea during pregnancy. Some women find it helpful to eat foods that are either cold or at room temperature; this may be due to the fact that hot foods tend to have more of an odor. Additionally, staying away from spicy foods can help to prevent morning sickness.
It is commonly suggested that eating frequent, small meals through out the day is beneficial. By eating more often, the stomach is never completely empty or too full. Many women find that snacking on crackers during the day helps to alleviate the nausea. Many women crave carbohydrates when they are experiencing morning sickness; they feel that it helps to relieve the nausea and prevent vomiting.
Getting enough fluids is vital especially when a woman is vomiting. It is best to drink small amounts of water throughout the day. Drinking a large quantity of water at one time can cause the sensation of fullness consequently affecting the amount of food eaten at meals. In cases where the woman has experienced a great deal of vomiting, it may be advisable to try drinking a sports drink. The sports drink should contain glucose, salt and potassium; these are necessary to replenish the electrolytes that have been lost.
Some of the other recommendations for relieving nausea during pregnancy are to learn relaxation techniques to relieve stress, to take time during the day to read or watch TV, or to take a nap. Getting enough rest and avoiding stress can help to minimize nausea for many women.
The prenatal vitamins women are required to take can be a cause for stomach distress. This can be aided by taking the vitamins at mealtime. The iron, which is contained in most prenatal vitamins, can cause irritation to the digestive system. You can consult with your doctor about the possibility of either switching to a prenatal vitamin with a low dose of iron or no iron during the first trimester.
There are also several alternative remedies that may help to relieve the symptoms of nausea during pregnancy. In both Eastern and Western medicine a pressure point on the body is recognized for relieving nausea. The pressure point is located approximately two inches above the crease of the inner wrist. Stimulation of this pressure point results in relief from nausea and vomiting for some pregnant women.
One means of stimulation of this pressure point is through an over the counter band that can be purchased at many pharmacies. The band provides pressure to the appropriate point on the wrist. Another device that also provides stimulation is available through your doctor. This device will stimulate the pressure point on your wrist with a mild electric current; it has been deemed safe to use. Some women have experienced positive results from using this prescribed method. This prescribed device will cost around $75.
Another common alternative solution used to aid in the relief of nausea is ginger. There are some ginger ales that are made with real ginger. While most grocery store ginger ales do not contain ginger, you can often find brands made with actual ginger in health food stores. Another possibility is to purchase fresh ginger at the store; the ginger can be grated and used to make ginger tea.
Ginger root supplements are also available in capsule form. However, it is important to consult with your health care provider before you take these supplements. It is advisable to bring the supplements in the original container to be examined by your doctor before you commence taking them. Due to the fact that it is not certain how much ginger is contained in the capsules, many health care experts advise against their use.
While morning sickness is considered a normal part of pregnancy, there is no reason to suffer needlessly. There are many suggested pregnancy nausea remedies that may at least alleviate the symptoms of morning sickness. With the help and advice of your medical care provider, you can hopefully find a solution that will work for you.
