Morning Sickness Remedies: Simple Ways to Find Relief During Pregnancy
Nausea during pregnancy can make even an ordinary day feel difficult. Although it is commonly called “morning sickness,” nausea and vomiting can happen at any time of the day or night.
Morning sickness is especially common during early pregnancy. Symptoms often improve during the second trimester, but every pregnancy is different. Some women experience only mild nausea, while others have frequent vomiting that interferes with eating, drinking, working, or completing normal activities.
If you are looking for safe morning sickness remedies, several simple changes may help you feel more comfortable. It is also important to recognize when pregnancy nausea may require medical care.
What Causes Morning Sickness During Pregnancy?
The exact cause of morning sickness is not completely understood. Hormonal changes during early pregnancy are believed to play an important role. Certain smells, an empty stomach, fatigue, heat, stress, and some foods may also make nausea worse.
Despite its name, morning sickness is not limited to the morning. You may notice that your symptoms are worse at a particular time of day, when you become hungry, or after encountering certain smells. Paying attention to these patterns can help you identify your triggers.
Mild to moderate nausea and vomiting are common during pregnancy and can often be managed with dietary and lifestyle changes. However, you do not have to simply endure severe or persistent symptoms. Safe treatment options are available, and early care may prevent nausea and vomiting from becoming more difficult to control.
At-Home Morning Sickness Remedies to Try
Different remedies work for different people, so it may take some experimentation to find what helps you. Consider trying the following:
- Eat something before getting out of bed. Keep plain crackers, dry cereal, or toast near your bed and eat a small amount before standing up.
- Eat small meals throughout the day. Five or six small meals may be easier to tolerate than three large ones. Try not to let your stomach become completely empty or overly full.
- Choose bland, lower-fat foods. Crackers, toast, rice, pasta, potatoes, bananas, applesauce, broth, and other mild foods may be easier on your stomach.
- Include protein when you can. Cheese and crackers, yogurt, nuts, eggs, or peanut butter may help you feel satisfied longer.
- Sip fluids frequently. Take small sips of water throughout the day rather than drinking a large amount at once. Ice chips, frozen fruit bars, broth, or an electrolyte drink may be easier to tolerate when plain water is unappealing.
- Try drinking between meals. Some women find it easier to drink fluids between meals instead of drinking while they eat.
- Avoid foods and smells that trigger nausea. Cooking odors, perfumes, cigarette smoke, spicy foods, and greasy foods are common triggers.
- Try cold or room-temperature foods. Cold foods usually have less aroma than hot foods and may be easier to eat when smells increase your nausea.
- Get plenty of rest. Fatigue can make morning sickness feel worse. Give yourself permission to slow down and ask for help when you need it.
- Consider ginger. Ginger tea, ginger candies, or foods containing ginger may help relieve nausea for some women. Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking concentrated ginger supplements.
- Try an acupressure wristband. Motion-sickness wristbands place gentle pressure on a point near the wrist and may provide relief for some people.
- Get fresh air. Opening a window, using a fan, or taking a short walk may help when heat or indoor smells trigger nausea.
If these home remedies do not provide enough relief, contact your prenatal healthcare provider. Vitamin B6 and medications containing doxylamine are commonly used to treat nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, and prescription treatments are also available. Do not begin a medication, vitamin, herbal product, or supplement during pregnancy without first asking a qualified healthcare professional. Some over-the-counter products with similar brand names contain different active ingredients.
More information about pregnancy-related nausea and treatment is available from ACOG, MedlinePlus, and MotherToBaby.
When Morning Sickness May Need Medical Attention
Occasional nausea or vomiting may be uncomfortable without being dangerous. However, severe pregnancy nausea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and nutritional problems.
A severe form of pregnancy sickness is called hyperemesis gravidarum. This condition requires medical evaluation and may need medication, intravenous fluids, or hospital treatment. You do not need to determine for yourself whether your symptoms qualify as hyperemesis gravidarum. If you are struggling to eat or drink, contact your healthcare provider.
Morning Sickness Safety: When to Call a Healthcare Provider
Contact your prenatal provider promptly if you:
- Cannot keep food or fluids down
- Are vomiting repeatedly throughout the day
- Are urinating much less than usual
- Have very dark urine
- Feel dizzy, weak, confused, or faint
- Notice a rapid heartbeat
- Are losing weight
- Vomit blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Have severe abdominal or pelvic pain
- Have a fever
- Experience vaginal bleeding
- Develop nausea and vomiting that are sudden, severe, or different from your usual pregnancy symptoms
- Are concerned about the severity of your symptoms for any reason
Seek urgent or emergency medical care for fainting, confusion, severe weakness, significant bleeding, severe pain, vomiting blood, or other symptoms that may represent an emergency.
Morning sickness can be exhausting, but support and treatment are available. Be patient with yourself, focus on staying hydrated, and speak with a healthcare professional if your symptoms interfere with your ability to eat, drink, or function normally.
If you think you may be pregnant or need support during an unexpected pregnancy, The Bridge Wellness South is here for you. We provide no-cost pregnancy testing, limited obstetrical ultrasound when appropriate, education, resources, and compassionate support in a confidential environment. Contact The Bridge Wellness South to learn more or schedule an appointment.
This article is provided for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your individual symptoms and before taking any medication, vitamin, herb, or supplement during pregnancy.