Pregnancy, It's Not Just 'Morning' Sickness: Tips and Info

Hello again, how are you doing?

It's a fact that in the early part of your pregnancy, you might not feel so great, and one of the not so appealing parts of being pregnant can be morning sickness. Unfortunately, despite its name, it can pop up at any time of the day or night; although it is most common in the morning, that's when those pesky (but rather important!) pregnancy hormones are super powerful. Usually, the first trimester (the first 12 weeks) is the worst, although it is possible to continue feeling or actually being sick past the first three months.

If nausea and vomiting mean that you cannot keep any food or drink down, you should see your doctor or midwife; you may have Hyperemesis Gravidarum, which could need medication (there are safe ones that can be prescribed) or possibly admission to the hospital.

Possible ways of helping you to feel better

Although there is no cure for morning sickness, the following ideas might help:

• Rest - when you are exhausted, the sickness is often worse, so take it easy!

• Avoid the things you know make you feel worse; for example, some food smells, sugary foods and fatty foods can certainly make things worse.

• Don't let yourself get too hungry; try eating little and often, healthy snacks, like fruit, breadsticks, dry toast.

• Try increasing your meal frequency to 6 a day so that you are eating the same, but more frequently, smaller portions.

• Some carbs can be easier to eat when feeling nauseous, like bread, pasta, rice.

• Have some emergency food next to your bed so that you can eat before getting up, something like a ginger biscuit or a breadstick.

• Acupressure bands on your wrists might be worth a try; some women find them really helpful.

I hope that you start to feel better soon.

Hang in there,

Juliet