Morning Sickness Home Remedies

Morning sickness refers to nausea that occurs during pregnancy. The name is a misnomer, however, because morning sickness can strike at any time of the day (or even at night).

Morning sickness affects an estimated 50 to 90 percent of pregnant women. It’s most common during the first trimester, but for some women morning sickness lingers throughout the pregnancy.

The condition is distressful and uncomfortable but is generally harmless. Medical treatment isn’t usually necessary, although various home remedies often help relieve the nausea.

To help relieve morning sickness:

• Choose foods carefully. Opt for foods that are high in carbohydrates, low in fat and easy to digest. Salty foods are sometimes helpful, as are foods that contain ginger -- such as ginger lollipops. Avoid greasy, spicy, and fatty foods.
• Snack often. Before getting out of bed in the morning, eat a few soda crackers or a piece of dry toast. Nibble throughout the day, rather than eating three large meals. An empty stomach may aggravate nausea.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Sip water or ginger ale. It may also help to suck on hard candy, ice

Contact your doctor if, during periods of morning sickness:

• Nausea or vomiting is severe
• You pass only a small amount of urine or it's dark in color
• You can't keep down liquids
• You feel dizzy or faint when you stand up
• Your heart races
• You vomit blood