Morning Sickness...HELP!

Morning sickness is when you get nausea and/or vomiting at anytime during the day or night. 8 out 10 pregnant people experience this at some point in their pregnancy. These symptoms usually get better or stop all together between 12-20 weeks.

There are many factors that may contribute to morning sickness, such as:

Low blood sugar
Rise in hormones like HCG or oestrogen
Blood pressure fluctuations
Changes in your metabolism

It can be a very difficult time and may interrupt your daily activities to the point where you’re just about coping as an exhausted lump on the sofa. Some people feel anxious or depressed during this time which is very understandable. I have put together some top- tips to support you in this tough period.

💤 Rest

If you push yourself it only compounds the nausea. Get a GP letter if you need time off work. The nausea can peak at around 7-8 weeks so booking a holiday at this time can help you rest.

💧Hydration

Carry a water bottle everywhere, the more dehydrated you are the more nauseated you become.

🍋 Smell a fresh scent

Citrus and certain herbs can curb the nausea for some people, simply going for a walk in fresh air can make you feel better.

🤝 Support

If certain things are making your nausea worse, like the smell of bacon, tell your partner don't suffer in silence. Get your partner to cook meals that you feel able to eat and ask them to take over most of the household chores whilst you rest.

🍽️ Smaller Meals

Rather than eat 3 big meals eat 6 smaller meals. An empty stomach allows your stomach acid to feast on your stomach lining which increases nausea.

🫚🍋 Ginger and Lemon

Try a small thin slice of fresh ginger or lemon in tea, gingerbread/biscuits, ginger sweets or drink ginger ale.

🌿 Peppermint Essential Oil

This essential oil can help relax the gastric muscles and reduce cramping.

🥤Drink Flat Coke

People swear that it was the only thing that made them feel more human. Worth a try right?

📱Alter your Screens

To prevent nausea worsening, change your mobile/lap top screens to a pink/tan background and make the font size larger/bolder to reduce eye strain.

🎧 Distract Yourself

Find something to take your mind off of the nausea like walking, gentle exercise, reading, watching a film and listening to music.

🧤Acupressure Wristband

Wearing an acupressure wristband can combat nausea by applying light pressure to the inside of the wrist which is linked to nausea. Going for an acupressure/acupuncture appointment is safe to try also.

🎒Carry a Survival Kit

Pack yourself a spare top, mints, vomit bag, toothpaste/brush, snacks and whatever helps you through the day in a bag to take with you everywhere.

💊 Medication

If you are feeling overwhelmed please go to your GP and get medication to help treat your nausea and/or vomiting. Don't suffer and be kind to yourself, especially if it's effecting your mental well-being.

🧠 Mental Health

If you are feeling more anxious or depressed during this time please seek support from your midwife or GP. It can easily take over people's lives and it feels as though the symptoms will never end. It can feel all-consuming and isolating, but you’re not alone.

🚨Hyperemesis Gravidarum

If the nausea and vomiting is excessive preventing you keeping food and drink down then you can be at risk of dehydration and weight loss. You need to contact your midwife and may have to be admitted to hospital to have some IV fluids. The nausea and vomiting may not get better after 20 weeks and in some severe cases can last the whole pregnancy.

Just remember it will come to an end, it's not forever!

Cat

The Informed Birth Midwife