Tips for Morning Sickness
Many people feel nausea (sick to their stomach) or vomit (throw up) during pregnancy. This is often called “morning sickness,” but it can happen at any time of the day.
Morning sickness is very common in the first three months (the first trimester), but some people feel sick for much longer. It is usually caused by hormone changes in your body.
Morning sickness does not usually harm you or your baby, but it can make daily life harder.
If you are so sick that you cannot eat or drink, call your clinic or provider for help.
What Can Help?
Eating Habits
- Eat five to six small meals a day instead of three large ones.
- Snack every two hours to avoid an empty stomach.
- Have a few crackers before getting out of bed.
- Eat a small snack before bedtime.
- Choose high-protein snacks like milk, cheese, or yogurt.
- Avoid spicy or fatty foods.
Hydration
- Take small sips of water, coconut water, or sports drinks throughout the day.
- Chew on ice chips.
- Drink fluids between meals, not with food.
Lifestyle
- Get plenty of rest.
- Stay cool.
- Avoid smells that make you feel sick.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
You can buy some remedies from the pharmacy without a prescription:
- Ginger: Try ginger tea, candies, or capsules. You can take 250 milligrams every six hours if you feel sick.
- SeaBands: These are wristbands that press on a spot on your wrist to help reduce nausea.
- Vitamin B6: Take 25 milligrams every four to six hours.
- Doxylamine (Unisom): This is a sleep medicine that can also help with nausea. Take 12 milligrams every six to eight hours. You may need to cut the pill in half. It can make you sleepy.
If these do not help, talk to your provider! They can give you other safe medicines for pregnancy.
Avoid Getting Dehydrated
Nausea and vomiting can make you lose fluids. This is called dehydration. You can stop this by:
- Sipping water, juice, or ginger ale
- Eating fruits like watermelon, grapes, or pineapple
- Drinking sports drinks or coconut water
- Chewing on ice chips
When to Get Help Right Away
Call your provider at 617.414.2000 or come to the emergency room if:
- You can’t eat or drink without throwing up
- You feel dizzy or faint when standing up
- Your heart is racing or pounding
- You are vomiting blood
- You are peeing only a little, and your pee is dark yellow
Your Body