Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Sick of Morning Sickness!

Image result for pregnancy nausea image
Nausea is probably the most famous and least favorite part of pregnancy. 

Many women experience morning sickness from around week 6 through week 12.  For some, it carries on to week 20 or beyond and is not always limited to a.m. hours.  I was blessed with 40 weeks of around the clock nausea during all four of my full term pregnancies.    While I LOVED being pregnant and growing life, I really struggled with this aspect.  It’s hard to embrace your pregnancy glow when it’s shadowed by clammy sweats. However, this is a normal part of a healthy pregnancy.  It is a sign that your hormones are kicking in to support your baby’s development.

For some, morning sickness leads them away from unhealthy choices. http://www.livescience.com/2531-morning-sickness-revealed.html

That worked for me on some levels.  Keep most fried foods far away from me!  Unless you’ve got corn chips.  Those are another story. 

For moms dealing with mild to moderate nausea, here are some natural remedies to consider:

Dietary Control:
  • Small frequent, healthy meals- Avoid hunger!
  • Adequate B vitamins.  I like these. 
  • Fresh foods including fruits
  • Salty starches (corn chips!)
  • Adequate hydration- Drink before and after meals, but not during as this leads to poor digestion.
  • Frozen slices of lemon to suck on.  Just slice and freeze in a single layer on a pan.  Transfer to a baggie once frozen and pull them out as needed. 
  • Lavender Lemonade
    • 2 Tbsp organic lavender (purchase lavender here)
    • 1 cup organic sugar
    • 1 cup organic lemon juice
    • 2 two liters of soda water
    • Recipe- Heat sugar and lavender in heavy saucepan over low heat.  Stir occasionally.  Once melted, remove from heat and allow to steep overnight in refrigerator.  Strain.  Add lemon juice.  Stir.  Add 2 two liters of soda water and ice to taste.


Herbal Support 

Before you ask for a prescription med, consider some of nature’s best resources.  Herbs!


  • Digestion support tincture found here delivers potent dosages of anti-nausea herbs in a highly absorbable form
  • Peppermint oil in the toilet to fight those nausea waves when you need it most!
  • Cool compress soaked in peppermint decoction.  Purchase organic peppermint here.
    • Decoction recipe: simply pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 Tbsp herbs and let steep for several hours, preferably overnight.  Strain and store in refrigerator.  Use as needed.  Will keep 3-4 days. 


Acupressure- P6  (press top and bottom)
Image result for acupressure P6 image  Image result for acupressure P6 image

Healthy Habits:
  • Adequate sleep
  • Improve circulation by propping your feet.  Poor circulation causes us to feel faint which often precedes a wave of nausea
  • Fresh air


Some things make it worse-
  • First pregnancy
  • Multiples
  • Lack of sleep
  • A history of motion sickness
  • Stress



When is it a problem?
When nausea and vomiting are keeping you from meeting the dietary needs of yourself and your baby, you need to address this with your healthcare provider.  You might be dealing with hyperemesis gravidarum.   

Sources:


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