Smell of coffee turning your stomach? Just the thought of food have you running to the toilet? Ah, morning sickness – a most unwelcome introduction to pregnancy. From waves of nausea to head-in-the-loo heaving, morning sickness can be different for every mum-to-be.
And the same goes for finding something to ease the symptoms. What works for one expecting mum might not work for another.
Here are some morning sickness remedies other mums swear by that helped settle troubled pregnant tummies.
Foods to ease morning sickness
1. Salty goodness
Try having something salty before a meal, this seems to help line the stomach a little.
“Salty food. I never eat fast food but was getting drive through Red Rooster chips regularly. And salt and vinegar anything … particularly salt and vinegar almonds!” – Anika
2. Ginger
Many mums say ginger ale or ginger biscuits are key to kicking the sick feeling. But there’s very little ginger in each (and lots of sugar which can actually make you feel worse). Tea made from ginger root is more potent but needs to be taken carefully as too much ginger can affect how blood clots.
3. Eat first thing
Having an empty stomach makes nausea worse. Keep something like a box of dry crackers next to the bed and have a nibble before getting up in the morning.
4. Eat smaller and often
Try grazing throughout the day, or having several smaller meals rather than three big meals.
“For both my pregnancies I had to keep a stash of dry biscuits in my handbag wherever I went. I had morning sickness/all day nausea but only up to 15/16 weeks.” – Amanda
5. Drink water
It’s really important to at least try and drink water if you can’t keep food down. Again, this will make your tummy feel full and help with nausea.
6. Know your triggers
If the smells of cooking trigger your nausea, make sure you open windows and put the rangehood on to try and move the odours quickly.
7. Give in to cravings
It’s unlikely anything you’re craving will kick off your sickness, so take it as a cue to eat whatever you want (within pregnancy safety guidelines!).
8. Tongue pulling
Ok, it sounds strange, but whatever works! It’s actually a yoga move that involves using a cloth to grip your tongue, and then pulling it out straight until it feels uncomfortable. Hold your tongue in place for 30 seconds and let it go. If nothing else, it will distract you from your churning stomach!
9. The good oil
Many essential oil enthusiasts swear by lavender as a remedy for morning sickness – either a few drops in the bath or in an oil burner. Others say peppermint and ginger oil do the trick, and there are ready-made roll-ons that can be applied to try and ward off the waves.
10. Seasickness bands
These work on acupuncture points to relieve travel sickness, so if you’re struck by morning sickness nausea it’s worth giving these bands a go.
11. Acupuncture
Working along the same lines as the seasickness bands, there is some evidence that suggests acupuncture can help with nausea and dry retching, but not actual vomiting.
12. B6 vitamins
There’s been some research to suggest that taking B6 vitamins can reduce morning sickness symptoms, but you’ll need to check with your doctor or midwife before taking these.
13. Apples
Apparently eating apples (particularly green ones) helps with nausea in pregnancy, much like it does for seasickness.
“Apples and Lucozade worked for me. Not too hard on the stomach. Or even sipping soda water.” – Jemma
14. Coca Cola
A fizzy drink may just help keep you from bringing up your brekkie.
“Never let your tummy get empty, my obgyn also suggested small sips of Coke. But unfortunately, I had to have medication for mine in the end and I am so glad I did.” – Elita
“If I felt really queasy a small can of Coke or peppermint Lifesavers were great! I found just not allowing myself to get hungry worked. I would snack on Saladas/rice crackers between meals.” – Kristie
“Nothing! Was sick all day every day for both of my pregnancies. It was tough going. I never normally drink Coke, but when pregnant Coke with lots of ice seemed to remove the metallic taste from my mouth.” – Suze
15. Don’t mix wet and dry
An interesting concept, and one that’s worth a try. Keep your meals and your drinks separated.
“A midwife gave me great advice – don’t mix wet with dry. So don’t have tea and biscuits etc, have the tea but not the biscuits. It really does help.” – Lynda
Read next …
Stomach still feeling squirmy? Here are a few more tips and tricks to help keep morning sickness at bay: