16 Morning Sickness Remedies (& When to See a Doctor)

Morning sickness remedies can include drinking lemonade, eating a lemon popsicle and chewing a small piece of ginger. 

Generally, morning sickness refers to nausea felt upon waking, however nausea can be experienced throughout the day. IT can be felt by most pregnant women in the first trimester and tends to disappear after this stage of pregnancy. However, in some cases, nausea can also last throughout the pregnancy.

When morning is very persistent and causes frequent vomiting, you should inform your obstetrician so that he or she can prescribe nausea medication. Adequate hydration and nourishment is important for fetal development, which can be impacted by morning sickness.

Natural remedies for morning sickness

Check-out some home remedies for nausea and home remedies below:

1. Drinking ginger tea or chewing ginger 

Ginger has antiemetic properties that can help reduce nausea, It also promotes digestion and and decreases stomach wall irritation. 

You can use ginger for pregnancy by chewing on a piece of it in the morning. There are also ginger-infused hard candies available for purchase that may help to relieve nausea. To make ginger tea, you can place 1 g of ginger in a cup of boiling water and let it soak for a few minutes. Then, remove the ginger, allow to cool, and drink.

A lot of studies have shown that 1 gram of ginger per day for up to 4 days is safe during pregnancy. Ginger should be avoided, however, if you are close to you due date or if you have a history of miscarriage, blood clot issues, or a risk of hemorrhages. 

2. Drinking lemon juice 

Having freshly squeezed lemonade or even sucking on a lemon popsicle also helps reduce pregnancy-related nausea. Pregnant women who are not able to keep food down from vomiting or are experiencing intense nausea may have benefit from smelling a lemon or inhaling lemon essential oil.

3. Eating cold, light snacks

Cold foods such as yogurt, jello, fruit popsicles or salads can help relieve pregnancy sickness. These particular foods are also light and easy to digest, making them favorable during pregnancy.  Digestion slows down significantly due to the hormonal changes, which can cause more nausea, which is why you should opt for less heavy meals and more frequent snacks.

Another option includes chewing on ice or drinking cold water.

4. Eating crackers

Crackers are easy to digest and are a good way of reducing morning sickness caused by an empty stomach. They can be eaten as soon as you wake up, before getting out of bed.  

5. Drink 2 liters of water a day

Having a lot of fluids throughout the day, but in small doses, can help relieve nausea and keep the body well hydrated, in addition to reducing fluid retention. 

It's important to drink at least 2 liters (½ gallon) of water per day. If you feel nauseous when drinking water, you can try adding a slice of lemon to your water or some pieces of ginger. 

6. Eating small meals frequently

Eating small meals at short intervals, every 2 or 3 hours for example, can help to relieve nausea. It is also important to chew your food well and to eat slowly.

This is because an empty stomach can worsen nausea and eating too quickly can lead to overeating, leaving your stomach heavy and making digestion more difficult.

7. Eating foods that are rich in vitamin B6

Consuming foods that are rich in vitamin B6, like bananas, watermelon, chestnuts or cooked carrots, can help to relieve or prevent nausea during pregnancy. Check-out a list of vitamin B6 foods you can incorporate into your diet.

In some cases, the OBGYN may also recommend the use of supplements with vitamin B6. These supplement should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor.

8. Avoiding highly seasoned foods

Avoiding very spicy, seasoned and fatty foods helps to relieve nausea during pregnancy, as these foods are more difficult to digest and can make nausea worse.

9. Avoiding strong smells

Avoiding strong smells, such as hot foods, perfumes, bath soaps or cleaning products, for example, can help to prevent or relieve morning sickness.

10. Resting

Rest is important to relieve morning sickness during pregnancy, as fatigue can make nausea worse. You should lie down or sit in a comfortable position for a few minutes until the nausea passes or improves. Lying down after eating should be avoided.

When resting, inhale slowly through your nose and exhale through your mouth, as this helps to improve nausea.

11. Consuming easily digested foods

Consuming easily digested foods, such as white bread, rice, pasta, lean meats (like chicken), and peeled fruits can help to promote  digestion, and relieve or prevent morning sickness.

12. Keeping the environment well-ventilated

Keeping the rooms in your home well-ventilated by opening windows is also important to prevent or relieve morning sickness.

Hot or stuffy environments can promote stonger odors, which can worsen nausea.

13. Engaging in light exercise

Performing light exercise as approved by your doctor can help to improve bowel movements. It can also release endorphins, which are substances that promote well-being.

14. Undergoing acupuncture

Acupuncture for morning sickness can be performed by applying very thin needles to the P6 Neiguan point, located on the wrist. While it can be an effective remedy to prevent or relieve morning sickness, it should be done with medical guidance and by a trained health care professional.

Another option to stimulate this point on the wrist is to use an anti-nausea bracelet. These can be purchased at some pharmacies, natural health stores and online.

15. Inhaling peppermint essential oil

Peppermint oil is rich in menthol and menthone, which have calming, antispasmodic and antiemetic properties. When inhaled, this oil can help to reduce nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

To inhale this essential oil, place a few drops in a pot of hot water and then inhale the steam for a few seconds.

16. Performing relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises and meditation, for example, can help reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. These can help to relax the mind and and promote inner harmony, which can help to manage morning sickness.

When to see a doctor

You should consult your OBGYN if you experience any of the following:

• Nausea that lasts all day
• Vomiting more than 2 or 3 times a day
• Difficulty eating
• Weight loss
• Excessive fatigue
• Confusion
• Dizziness or fainting
• Heart palpitations
• Low urine output

To ensure nausea is appropriately managed, it is important to be assessed by your doctor and to ensure you attend your prenatal consutlations.