12 Natural Ways for Dealing with Morning Sickness During Pregnancy

Having trouble with morning sickness? More than 70% of pregnant women, particularly in the first trimester, experience nausea and vomiting, so you’re not alone. Despite being referred to as morning sickness, it can occur at any time of day and leave you feeling drained and anxious.

Morning sickness can be treated at home with various methods, such as dietary and lifestyle modification. Several obstetricians suggest over-the-counter (OTC) drugs for nausea. Symptoms usually improve by the second trimester, which starts at 14 weeks.

In this article, we will focus on providing comprehensive information about everything that one needs to know about morning sickness during pregnancy—from the common signs and symptoms to the causes and remedies.

Read More: Exercising Safely During Pregnancy: Guidelines and Best Practices

What is Morning Sickness?

Morning sickness is a prevalent symptom that accompanies pregnancy. It often leaves the would-be mother feeling dizzy, nauseous, and uneasy throughout or through certain stages of the pregnancy.

It often begins around week six of pregnancy and peaks around week nine. Some pregnant women experience morning sickness throughout their pregnancy, but most feel better in the second trimester. Inform your doctor if you suffer from morning sickness.

Mild morning sickness does not harm you or your child. However, extreme nausea and vomiting (known as hyperemesis gravidarum) can lead to significant pregnancy complications. For treatment, you might have to remain in the hospital.

Causes of Morning Sickness?

You feel like the earth is going to shatter when a wave of nausea from morning sickness hits you, but the worst part? There is minimal reasoning behind why it happens.

The cause of morning sickness in pregnant women is unknown. Hormonal and blood sugar changes during pregnancy can trigger it. An empty stomach may make it more likely to occur. Anxiety and stress can exacerbate it. Strong fragrances have the potential to trigger or exacerbate morning sickness.

Symptoms of Morning Sickness?

Pregnancy symptoms typically start between weeks four and eight and continue for at least sixteen weeks. Although it can occur at any time of the day, most women vomit more frequently in the morning.

• Severe nausea
• Weight loss
• Decreased urine
• Headaches
• Confusion
• Fainting
• Jaundice

If this gets worse, there are possible side effects. Reduced need to urinate, elevated heart rate, and lowered blood pressure are signs of dehydration.

Read More: 7 Mindfulness and Relaxation Practices for a Calm Pregnancy

Home Remedies for Morning Sickness

1. Foods that are Bland and Easy to Digest

For good reason, one of the oldest methods for reducing morning sickness is still effective: bland foods are more manageable for pregnant women to digest. The B.R.A.T. diet includes bananas, (white) rice, applesauce, and toast.

These foods are less likely to upset your stomach because they don’t have a strong flavor. Additionally, starches can absorb stomach acids, which can help ease nausea.

2. Drink Plenty of Water

Staying well-hydrated is essential for your and your unborn child’s health. However, staying hydrated throughout pregnancy requires more than consuming any appealing beverage.

Caffeine, which is abundant in coffee and soda, can cause dehydration. Milk can make you feel even more nauseous. Additionally, sports drinks frequently include more sugar than other beverages.

Plain water is, therefore, your best friend when staying hydrated throughout pregnancy.

Read More: Managing Pregnancy Discomfort: Tips for Easing Common Aches and Pains

3. Ginger

It’s worth trying ginger when you’re nauseous because it has been well-researched and used in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years to relieve nausea and vomiting. The mere scent of fresh ginger can occasionally soothe an unsettled stomach.

Read the labels to ensure that the foods and beverages you’re consuming contain real ginger; some prepared foods don’t. Sample ginger tea, ginger ale, crystallized ginger, ginger biscuits, and ginger candies and snaps. Use fresh ginger when preparing stir-fries and soups.

4. The Peppermint

Like ginger, peppermint has been used for centuries to treat morning sickness. When taken in moderation, peppermint is safe for you and your unborn child.

Try peppermint tea, garnish Middle Eastern foods with freshly cut mint, or mix mint syrup with sparkling water. If you’re feeling adventurous, enjoy a non-alcoholic mojito with extra muddled mint! Peppermint gum or hard candies work well for on-the-go nausea relief.

Experts advise against consuming peppermint essential oil during pregnancy, as it may exacerbate reflux.

Read More: Nutrition Essentials during Pregnancy: Building a Healthy Diet for You and Your Baby 

5. Herbal Broths and Teas

It’s crucial to stay hydrated in the early stages of pregnancy. After throwing up, drinking enough water will help your stomach settle and your body regain its fluid balance. While plain water is usually a good option, herbal tea can occasionally be a terrific approach to reduce pregnancy-related nausea.

Avoid herbal teas like chamomile, red raspberry, lemon, spearmint, or peach during pregnancy, as not all teas are safe. Adding ginger or lemon to tea can also reduce nausea.

6. Prevent an Empty Stomach

Eating frequently and avoiding huge meals when possible will help you achieve this. Small meals of simple foods like rice, toast, lean meat, trail mix, or plain, sweet biscuits can help you maintain your blood sugar level without upsetting your stomach.

Read More: Natural Remedies for Common Pregnancy Symptoms

7. Acupressure or Acupuncture

Treating nausea can be significantly aided by applying light pressure or tiny needles to target particular body nerve regions. Although there are experts who focus on these methods, you can also experiment at home.

Sea bands, for example, are elastic bands that provide pressure to a particular nerve in the wrist. You can easily obtain them at neighborhood pharmacies, and studies show they significantly lessen nausea and vomiting.

You can also try a basic acupressure method on your own. Using three fingertips, gently but firmly push on the base of your palm, slightly above the spot on your wrist where you would check your pulse. Breathe deeply, then apply pressure to that area for a minute or more, progressively increasing the pressure until you feel a little uncomfortable.

8. Citrus Fruits

If you’re pregnant and feeling nauseous, sniffing a lemon can help reduce the queasiness and make it easier. Pregnant women who smell lemon-scented aromatherapy report feeling less queasy, according to research. Make sure to include lemons and other citrus fruits on your shopping list because they are safe for you and your unborn child to consume in moderation during pregnancy.

9. Fruits and Vegetables that are High in Water

As we’ve mentioned, one of the best strategies to prevent morning sickness early in pregnancy and beyond is to stay hydrated. If drinking fluids worsens the situation, try eating fruits and vegetables high in water content, such as peaches, celery, apples, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

Even when nothing else stays down, some pregnant women claim watermelon is the best fruit for morning sickness. It is delicious, refreshing, and contains minerals that can help avoid muscle cramps and relieve heartburn and swelling.

Read More: Occasional Drinking During Pregnancy Inflicts Harm To The Foetus

10. Vitamin B6

Increasing your intake of vitamin B6 can significantly reduce morning sickness symptoms. When taking prenatal vitamins, try to get at least 25 milligrams of the vitamin thrice a day.

11. Snacks and Cold Drinks

Did you know that the scent of hot meals and beverages is more likely to cause your gag reflex to kick in? Anything warmer will smell stronger since your olfactory system requires heat to recognize smells because cold meals don’t smell as strong, so they may taste better when you’re queasy during pregnancy.

Additionally, cold drinks can aid with pregnancy nausea because it can sometimes be easier to drink liquids when feeling nauseous. Smoothies (filled with nutritious ingredients) and cold almond milk (which can relieve heartburn) are terrific choices.

Read More: 5 Yoga Poses For Pregnancy

12. Workout

We recognize that engaging in intense physical activity while you’re feeling queasy might not be desirable. But choosing to take a leisurely stroll might have amazing health benefits. Experts claim that even a 20-minute daily walk can release endorphins, which can help reduce nausea and fight fatigue.

Additionally, swimming in a chilly environment may offer your system short-term respite. Protect your skin with sunscreen and avoid hot tubs, which can worsen your symptoms.

What Distinguishes Hyperemesis Gravidarum from Morning Sickness?

Up to 80% of pregnant women report having morning sickness, making it a widespread occurrence. It doesn’t result in weight loss or dehydration and isn’t as bad as hyperemesis gravidarum. Even though morning sickness can occasionally cause nausea and vomiting, you should still be able to consume food and beverages throughout the day. It usually goes away after 12 weeks of pregnancy or the first trimester or becomes less noticeable.

You vomit multiple times a day if you have hyperemesis gravidarum. Dehydration and weight loss may result from this in the long run. HG symptoms frequently persist longer than those of morning sickness. If you become dehydrated, you may require hospital treatment that includes intravenous (IV) fluids.

Read More: Unravelling the Causes of Gestational Diabetes During Pregnancy

Conclusion

Though it may seem overwhelming, remember that morning sickness is brief and usually goes away as pregnancy goes on. The natural solutions we’ve discussed can help ease nausea and discomfort so you can enjoy this unique time, even though every woman’s experience is exceptional.

The secret is to try various options and see which suits you best. Little changes can have a tremendous impact, whether drinking ginger tea, eating crackers, applying acupressure bands, or drinking plenty of water. Never give up if one treatment doesn’t work; there may be another that will!

Above all, pay attention to your body and get medical help if your symptoms worsen. Help is always available, and you are not traveling this path alone.

• Aug 2018
  Written by Somapika D
• Apr 2025
  Edited by Ankita