Morning sickness is kind of a misnomer because this condition can last all day long when you are expecting. Causes can include low blood sugar and the increased protein requirements of the developing fetus, the liver not being able to break down the extra hormones, stress, certain aromas, and diet.
But nausea during pregnancy may be a positive sign. It causes us to pay attention to ourselves. Research shows that women who have nausea early in their pregnancies may have a lower risk of miscarriage, perhaps because hormonal levels are high. And here’s more good news. For many, morning sickness disappears by the end of the first trimester of pregnancy. Here’s what to do until it passes.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Homeopathic remedies to consider for threatened miscarriage include Apis mellifica, which helps calm premature labor and stinging ovarian pains. Arnica montana can prevent miscarriage brought on by physical trauma such as falling.
Note: It is always wise to let your midwife or doctor know before taking any herbs or supplements while you are pregnant.
BEST HERBS FOR MORNING SICKNESS
For thousands of years, women around the world have relied on healing botanicals to help with morning sickness. Herbs such as peppermint leaf, anise seed, red raspberry leaf, and ginger root have all been helpful in relieving morning sickness. They are all available as tea and capsules, and ginger is also available in honey-sweetened sodas, candies, and syrups. If you choose to use candied ginger, rinse the sugar off before you eat it.
BEST NUTRIENTS FOR MORNING SICKNESS
Vitamin B6, in doses of 25-50 mg, can really help reduce nausea. But before adding, B6, note how much is already in your prenatal vitamin formula. Take no more than 150 mg as a total daily dose unless recommended by your physician or midwife.
Low levels of magnesium have been found to be a contributing factor in morning sickness. Green leafy vegetables and almonds are good sources of this nutrient.
BEST FOODS AND BEVERAGES FOR MORNING SICKNESS
Morning sickness is often worse when the stomach is empty and blood sugar level lowest. Small, frequent, bland complex carbohydrate meals throughout the day may be beneficial. Have a high-protein snack such as raw almonds before bed. If carbohydrates are all you can tolerate, see how you feel about sweet potato, chia seed porridge, or flax crackers. If nausea is worse at certain times of the day, eating something half an hour beforehand may help. You can also suck on frozen honey lemonade popsicles or chew a natural peppermint or spearmint gum to ease the nausea.
Drink between meals rather than with meals. Sip 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar (10 ml) and honey (13 g) in a cup (235 ml) of warm water. If you do experience vomiting, be sure to consume adequate fluids to prevent dehydration, preferably in small sips between meals which is easier to keep down.
HELPFUL HOMEOPATHICS FOR MORNING SICKNESS
Homeopathic remedies that help morning sickness include Ipecac, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, and Sepia. Talk to a homeopath about which remedy would best suit you.
WHEN TO SEE YOUR M.D.
Get professional attention if you lose weight (more than a couple of pounds [0.9 kg]), become dehydrated and do not urinate, or can’t keep anything down (including water, tea, or juice small occasional sips are best tolerated) for over four to six hours.
OTHER NATURAL REMEDIES FOR MORNING SICKNESS
Take up to seven deep inhalations of essential oil of lemon or peppermint to calm nausea.
Use Sea Bands that gently press on acupressure points known as Pericardium 6 on the inside of the wrist to help alleviate morning sickness, available in health food stores.
Place a cool lavender-scented compress on your forehead and a warm vinegar compress over your rib cage to ease morning sickness. Lie totally still with the eyes closed for best effect.
Get out into fresh air and take a walk every day.
Find pleasant diversions such as reading uplifting books and doing gentle exercise. My daughter Rainbeau has an amazing yoga DVD called Zen Mama (www.rainbeaumars.com) that may help.
Try to maintain a positive attitude about this time in your life. A healthy baby makes it all worthwhile!
This Morning Sickness Remedies article is taken from :
The Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Brigitte Mars
