Pregnant woman lying down drinking lemon drink to help morning sicknessPregnant and suffering from  morning sickness? Hopefully one or more of these morning sickness remedies will help get you feeling normal again.

Being pregnant is one of the most incredible, life-changing, amazing experiences you’ll ever have, but let’s face it, it does have its downsides and morning sickness is one of them.

Sure, some women don’t experience it (the lucky buggers), but for most of us it’s an unavoidable curse.

Morning sickness (don’t be fooled – it can strike at any time of the day or night) hits most of us during the first trimester, particularly during weeks six through to 13. Admittedly we’re talking about only a brief period of time here, but as anyone who has gone through it will tell you, those early weeks can feel like months.

If this happens to you, try not to worry. As they say, this too shall pass.

But in the meantime, why not try one of our remedies. They might sound unusual, kooky even, but they might work for you. And as any pregnant, nauseous woman will tell you, that’s really all that matters.

1. Acupressure bands

You may have known that seasickness can be treated with a set of ‘sea bands’, bands that fit around your wrist and apply pressure to relieve nausea, but guess what, they ease morning sickness too. Pick up a pair at your pharmacy for about $20. If you’re the do-it-yourself type pop a dried kidney bean over the anti-nausea pressure point (the inside of your forearm about 10cm from the wrist) and hold it in place with an adhesive bandage. Leave it there for as long as it takes.

2. Certain herbs

Certain herbs can stop morning sickness dead in its tracks.   Specific herbs for nausea include black horehound, meadowsweet, wild yam, peppermint, lemon balm, aniseed, squaw vine and peach leaves. These can be taken in fluid extract, tablet or capsule form.   However, do tell your therapist, or the pharmacist why you are taking those herbs to ensure that you are selecting the correct herbs and in the correct dosage.   Whilst there are herbs that help, there are also herbs that can harm in pregnancy and you need to ensure that you are taking the correct herb in the correct dosage.

3. Acupuncture

Acupunture has been shown to help with relieving morning sickness.   Ensure that any treatment received is from a reputable practioner who is fully aware that you are pregnant.

4. Take a daily dose of Vitamin B6

Recent research carried out in the US and Thailand showed that women who took 25 milligrams of B6 every eight hours had significantly less vomiting and nausea than women who took a placebo (a pretend pill).    Again, check with your healthcare provider before taking any tablets to ensure that this course of action is suitable for you.

5. Lemons!

Tart and tangy, lemons are something of a wonder cure when it comes to morning sickness. Pop a slice into a mug of piping hot water and sip slowly throughout the day. You can also try lemon juice in ice water or, if you’re really keen (or for that matter desperate), suck on a slice of the real thing. Might sound crazy to the non-pregnant but hey, if it works…

6. Junk food

OK, so Tim Tams by the truckload aren’t going to do you or your baby the world of good, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Sometimes eating junk food is the only thing that will make you feel better and if junk food is all you can keep down then go ahead and tuck in. It’s better than starving.

7. Think positively

It might sound far-fetched but research has shown that positive thinking can make an impact on mild nausea. When it hits, find yourself a comfy spot and relax. Take a few deep breaths. Then, focus on relaxing your body from head to toes. As you feel the tension evaporate remind yourself that you’re not technically ill, just pregnant and soon you will feel just like your old self again. Have a chat to your body and thank it for caring for your unborn child. If your nausea is at all anxiety or fear related try a positive affirmation. Not sure what to say? Try the following; “I accept fear and move forward knowing courage is my guide”.

8. Rest, rest and rest some more

Prioritise rest time for yourself. Print out this article and show it to everyone you know. Then, insist that they cook the dinner/clean the house/balance the books etc etc.

9. Start smelling

If sweet smells soothe you get a hold of an oil burner and light up a candle quick sticks. Try burning five drops of any of the following essential oils: lavender, pettigrain, spearmint, lemon, coriander or bergamot. These specific oils all create a healthy, therapeutic aroma that works to calm your wobbly tummy. And your house will smell terrific too.

10. The Chinese herbal formula Bamboo and Hoelen

Bamboo and Hoelen is said to be good for nausea in pregnancy. Talk to a reputable Chinese herbalist and see if this might work for you.

11. Try the yoga move the ‘tongue pull’

Grasp your tongue using a dry, clean cloth and pull it straight out, until it feels quite strained and uncomfortable, then hold it for 30 seconds. Feels weird, looks even weirder, but heck it’s worth a try.

READ: 17 natural ways to beat morning sickness
FORUM:  Chat with others about what morning sickness remedies worked for them
NOTE: Talk to your obstetrician or midwife before you try any of the above remedies. That way he or she can discuss whether they’re suitable for you.  Also, bear in mind that while mild nausea during pregnancy is the norm, serious illness is not. You may be suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum If you’re feeling particularly unwell, are unable to keep food or water down, are not gaining weight or you’re losing weight, speak to your health care worker immediately.

Image credit: bialasiewicz/123RF Stock Photo

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