Nausea…

Nausea can occur at any time of the day but may be worse in the morning when your stomach is empty (hence the term “morning sickness”) or if you are not eating enough or frequently enough. They key is to keep something in your stomach frequently to avoid that “green” feeling. Nausea is a result of hormonal changes in your body and most often occurs early in pregnancy until your body adjusts to the increased production of hormones.

Before you go to bed:

• Be sure to have plenty of fresh air in the room where you sleep. The odor of soiled clothes and other household scents in the room where you sleep may upset your stomach.

• Place some dry cereal or dry bread within reach of your bed to make it easy to reach. You could also try toast, dry biscuits, uncooked oatmeal, ready-to-eat cereals, or crackers. Chew slowly if need be, taking little bites so your stomach will settle.

• Try eating a high-protein snack such as lean meat or cheese before going to bed (protein takes longer to digest).

Before you get up in the morning:

• East some of the dry bread, cereal or crackers. A small amount of jelly may

make it taste better.

• Do not use butter or margarine.

When you get up:

• Get up very slowly; take several minutes while changing positions.

• Avoid sudden movements when getting out of bed.

When you cook breakfast:

• Eat some more dry bread, cereal or crackers a little while after you get up and before you cook breakfast.

• Have a window open while you cook breakfast to get rid of the odor of cooking foods.

For nausea during the day:

• Eat several small meals a day instead of three large ones. You are more likely to feel nauseated when your stomach is empty. Eat slowly and chew your food completely.

• Avoid spicy, fried or greasy foods. If you are bothered by strong smells, eat foods cold or at room temperature and avoid odors that bother you.

• Do not drink fluids or eat soups at mealtime. Wait at least one hour after eating your meal to drink fluids.

General Pregnancy Guidelines

• Avoid large amounts of fluids at one time.

• If you are thirsty, try eating chips of ice.

• Sometime during the day, you will find you can eat a regular meal. Be sure not to overeat at this time.

Foods to Avoid:

• Fatty and greasy foods may upset the stomach. Eat very little or none of the following foods: butter, margarine, gravy, bacon, salt, pork, oils, mayonnaise, salad dressings, pie crusts, pastries.

• Highly seasoned foods, such as those cooked with garlic, onion, pepper, chili, and other spices may upset your stomach. Eat lightly seasoned foods.

• Do not eat foods that give you gas.

Between Meals:

• Drink small sips of liquids frequently between meals. Drink milk, water, fruit juices, coffee, tea and soups between meals only. Herbal teas, such as raspberry leaf, chamomile, spearmint, peppermints or ginger root may help.

• When you feel nauseated, drink a small amount of these fluids: cool, carbonated beverages, clear fruit juices, such as apple or grape juice. Popsicles or frozen fruit bars may be tolerated best. Above all, eat or drink what sounds good to you.

Other Recommendations:

• Sea bands or acupressure wristbands, which are frequently used for motion sickness, are helpful for morning sickness. These bands can be purchased at your local drug store. Your pharmacist or healthcare provider can help you with correct placement of the bands. Simple instructions are provided in the package insert too.

• Carry sourball candy in your pocket to suck on between meals.

• Candy known as Fireballs can also help with nausea.

• Eat anything ginger. Ginger cookies, ginger tea, and ginger ale. You can find this spice in the health food or vitamin stores. As a supplement, purchase the 250 mg capsules.