Morning sickness, also known as nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP), is a common symptom experienced by many pregnant women, typically during the first trimester. Despite its name, morning sickness can occur at any time of the day or night. While the exact cause of morning sickness is not fully understood, hormonal changes, particularly the rise in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen levels, are believed to play a significant role.
Morning sickness usually begins around the sixth week of pregnancy and often improves by the end of the first trimester, although some women may experience symptoms throughout their pregnancy. While morning sickness is usually not harmful to the mother or baby, it can be quite uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life. Fortunately, there are several home remedies and lifestyle changes that can help alleviate the symptoms of morning sickness and make the experience more manageable.
# Ginger: Ginger is known for its anti-nausea properties. You can try ginger tea, ginger ale, ginger candies, or simply chewing on a small piece of fresh ginger.
# Peppermint: Peppermint has a soothing effect on the stomach. You can try drinking peppermint tea or sucking on peppermint candies.
# Acupressure wristbands: These wristbands are designed to apply pressure to the P6 acupressure point on your wrist, which can help alleviate nausea.
# Frequent, small meals: Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can help keep your stomach from becoming too empty, which can trigger nausea.
# Stay hydrated: Sip fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated. You can try drinking cold fluids or sucking on ice chips if plain water is difficult to keep down.
# Avoid triggers: Try to identify any triggers that worsen your morning sickness, such as certain smells or foods, and avoid them if possible.
# Rest: Fatigue can make nausea worse, so make sure you're getting plenty of rest.
# Vitamin B6: Some studies suggest that taking a vitamin B6 supplement may help reduce nausea during pregnancy. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplements during pregnancy.
# Aromatherapy: Some women find relief from nausea by sniffing lemon or peppermint essential oils.