TIPS TO BEAT MORNING SICKNESS

There are many things that trigger morning sickness, and many things you can do to help prevent or alleviate nausea and vomiting or morning sickness.

Few women experience severe symptoms of morning sickness (also known as hyperemesis).  Most symptoms of morning sickness go away after a few weeks.  If symptoms persist for longer than a few weeks, are severe (where you can’t keep anything down for longer than 1 hour), and are debilitating, call your obstetrician or visit an emergency room immediately.  You can become quickly dehydrated and may require an IV to replace fluids lost during vomiting.

Triggers That May Cause Morning Sickness:

• Smells/odors (such as food, pet, body odor, fragrances, deodorants, garbage, fuel, paint)
• Fatigue (especially if you were up all night with morning sickness)
• Areas or rooms with stale, damp air
• Foods (greasy, spicy, foreign)
• Empty stomach (accumulated acid in stomach)
• Noises (sudden noise, loud music, traffic, sirens, construction sites)
• Abrupt, sudden movements (motion sickness)
• Bright, glaring lights
• Hot/cold weather, humidity

Morning Sickness Remedies:

• Eat small, frequent meals high in protein and fiber (takes longer to digest)
• Get plenty of rest (take naps during the day or when you feel most nauseated)
• Keep a bag of snacks (unsalted pretzels, nuts, granola bars, dried fruit, breadsticks, crackers) with you at all times to keep your stomach comfortable.
• Chew Tums or other safe antacids when nauseated or after vomiting
• Drink lots of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages throughout the day (water is preferable)
• Keep a small snack and beverage by your bedside to consume before you get out of bed
• Take your time getting out of bed in the morning; slowly change positions when lying down.
• Keep moist, unscented towelettes nearby to refresh your face after nausea and vomiting.
• Exercise (brisk walk, swimming, bicycle riding yoga, stretching)
• Get fresh air by either going outside or opening windows.
• Identify triggers and avoid them as much as possible.

SAMPLE RECIPES TO RELIEVE MORNING SICKNESS 

LEMON-GINGER TEA

½ cup fresh ginger root, finely grated
3 lemons         
½ cup of honey
2 quarts water

Peel ginger and grate finely.  Bring water to a boil, add ginger and the juice of the 3 lemons.  Steep 20 minutes off of the heat.  Add honey and stir well.  Strain through a cloth.  Serve hot or over ice.

BRAN MUFFINS

1 20 oz. box of raisin bran cereals
3 ½ cups of flour
1 ½ tsp. nutmeg
3 tbsp. cinnamon
5 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 ¼ cup sugar
1 cup bran (oatmeal or wheat)
½ cup margarine
½ cup vegetable oil
3 eggs, beaten
1 quart buttermilk

Mix all ingredients together.  Fill greased muffin tins and bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.  The batter will keep up to 6 weeks in the refrigerator.