Nausea & Vomiting During Pregnancy

Hello!

Today’s first blog post is dedicated to the question I get asked most as a pregnancy nutrition consultant… “what can I do to help with morning sickness?” Morning sickness, aka all-day sickness, affects up to 80% of women in some capacity during pregnancy. Many women who experience this in the weeks after learning they are pregnant often struggle to understand how to manage these new feelings in their bodies. During my second pregnancy, I’m pretty sure I vomited every day until 18 weeks… if I only knew then what I know now, I might have been able to manage it better. I’m excited to share some knowledge on this in the hope of helping anyone experiencing morning sickness right now!

There are many theories about why some women experience “morning sickness,' including ideas like it being a protective mechanism or linked to certain nutrient deficiencies. While there are no clear, definitive scientific answers yet, hormonal balance could play a significant role. Usually, pregnancy-related nausea starts around 4-9 weeks and tends to improve by 12-16 weeks for about 60% of women.

Below are some remedies that tend to help women experiencing nausea and vomiting!

Supplements

Vitamin B6:
This nutrient is a universal and well-researched supplement that has been shown to help alleviate nausea during pregnancy. The key is to ensure you are taking the active form of B6 (pyridoxal-5-phosphate) rather than the non-active form of B6 (pyridoxine). Some women have difficulty processing pyridoxine, which can sometimes worsen symptoms. Many providers recommend B6 with Unisom, an antihistamine. If this is combined with the non-active form of B6 (pyridoxine), most women may not find relief, or it could worsen symptoms.

Magnesium:
Magnesium has many benefits during pregnancy, but when it comes to nausea, it can help balance blood sugar and may also help relax an overactive gag reflex. I personally take a magnesium supplement and love this particular brand (We Heart Nutrition) because of the high-quality ingredients. Use code jadesbabes for a 20% discount!

Ginger:
This medicinal root has also been well-researched and is known to alleviate nausea symptoms. The recommended dosage is 1000mg per day, split into 3-4 doses to prevent getting an upset stomach. You can also use freshly grated ginger or crystallized ginger.

Hydration

Staying hydrated is essential during pregnancy, especially if you're vomiting throughout the day. Adding electrolytes to your water can be a great way to ensure proper hydration. I personally love LMNT (link for a free sample 12-pack with any purchase). I also recommend bone broth for its nutritional value, or snacking on watermelon or cucumbers, which are high in water content.

Blood Sugar Stability

This might be one of the most challenging parts to implement, but remember to eat regularly and aim for balanced meals. Including protein and healthy fats in your meals and snacks can really help keep your blood sugar steady. While cravings for simple, refined foods like bread, crackers, and pasta may increase in early pregnancy, try to be mindful because these foods can cause blood sugar spikes, which might make morning sickness worse. Keeping food by your bed may help your fasting blood sugar levels in the morning - cashews are a great option!

Homeopathic Remedies

Num Voxica, Sepia Officinalis, and Pulsatilla are some homeopathic remedies known to help alleviate nausea. I usually recommend that a client start with Num Voxica.

Movement

To support blood sugar levels, engaging in any form of exercise, whether it's walking around your neighborhood or something you feel energetic enough to do, can significantly improve your overall well-being.

Staying Positive

Maintaining a positive attitude can be challenging when you're not feeling your best. Most women experiencing morning sickness will find relief at some point during their pregnancy, as it is typically a temporary condition. Remember, you're not alone in this, and things usually improve over time. Staying optimistic and engaging in activities that bring you joy can help reduce stress, which may also support healthy blood sugar levels.

I hope this information is helpful to anyone going through morning sickness - I understand firsthand how challenging this can be! The remedies provided are general suggestions; please consult with your healthcare provider before implementing any of these suggestions.

For the most personalized advice on managing your health during pregnancy, please don't hesitate to reach out to see how I can personally support you. <3