Coping with Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy
Nausea and vomiting are two common complaints of early pregnancy. The exact cause is unknown, but many factors add to this problem. Increased hormones affect areas in the brain that deal with nausea and vomiting. Other factors may be low blood sugar and the effect of pregnancy hormones on stomach emptying. While it is a hard part of early pregnancy, it is a sign that your body is going through some normal changes.
Helpful Tips
- Eat small amounts of food every 2-3 hours.
- Eat low fat, high protein foods and carbohydrates that are easy to digest. This will help avoid low blood sugar.
- Drink liquids between meals rather than with meals.
- Avoid milk or use it in small amounts.
- Eat lightly seasoned foods; salt to taste.
- Sit upright after meals to lessen gastric reflux.
- Have a snack before going to bed.
- Before getting out of bed in the morning, eat a piece of bread, a few crackers, some cheese, or nuts.
- Get out of bed slowly and avoid sudden movements.
- Avoid brushing teeth right after eating.
- Slowly sip a carbonated drink or water when feeling nauseous.
- When cooking, open windows or use the exhaust fan to get rid of odors.
- Drink herbal teas – ginger root, camomile, peppermint, or raspberry leaf.
- Take ginger capsules 4 times a day.
- Take one capsule of Premesis daily (75 mg of B6, 1 mg of folic acid, 12 mcgs of B12, 200 mg of calcium carbonate).
- Take prenatal vitamins at dinner time or not at all for a short time if they add to your nausea. Check with your doctor or midwife before stopping them.
- Take papaya enzyme, a natural aid, to help digest food.
- Sea bands can be helpful. These are worn on the wrist and apply pressure on a point on the under side of the wrist.
- Try a BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast).
Homeopathic remedies and herbs can be very helpful. They can be bought in many places in Madison. Three sources are:
- Green Earth Pharmacy, 6771 University Ave.
- Community Pharmacy 341 State Street
- Quintessence, 334 W Lakeside Street
Many of the pharmacists at these places are experts in using herbs and homeopathic remedies and can give you advice tailored to your needs.
When to Call
If your nausea persists and you vomit often, please call your midwife or doctor. Dehydration, weight loss, and poor nutrition may occur. There are prescription medicines which can relieve symptoms.
UW Health- Managed OB Clinics |
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UW Health West OB/GYN Clinic 451 Junction Rd Madison WI 53717 (608) 265-7601 |
UW Health East OB/GYN Clinic 5249 E Terrace Pkwy Madison WI 53718 (608) 265-1230
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UW Health Benign Gynecology Clinic 600 Highland Ave Madison WI 53792 (608) 263-6240
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UW Health Gynecology/Oncology Clinic 600 Highland Ave Madison WI 53792 (608) 263-1548 |
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UWMF- Managed OB Clinics |
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OB/GYN Clinic 20 S. Park, Suite 307 Madison, WI 53715 (608) 287-2830
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East Towne 4122 East Towne Blvd. Madison, WI 53704 (608) 242-6840 |
West Towne 7102 Mineral Point Rd. Madison, WI 53717 (608) 828-7610 |
Fitchburg 5543 East Cheryl Parkway Fitchburg, WI 53711 (608) 274-5300 |
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Meriter & UW Health-Managed Generations Fertility Clinic (Generations) |
2365 Deming Way, Middleton WI 53562 (608) 824-6160 Toll free 1-888-474-3933 |
The Spanish version of the Health Facts for You is #5811.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 05/15/2013
Copyright © 12/05/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#5457
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