Remedies for Nausea & Vomiting In Pregnancy

CONGRATULATIONS! Welcome to the wonderful experience of pregnancy. During the first trimester (the 1st 12-14 weeks of pregnancy), it is not uncommon to feel nauseous & possibly experiencing vomiting. Below are some helpful remedies that may get through those days when you just aren’t feeling so well.

• Eat small frequent meals to avoid having an empty stomach.
• Eat low-fat complex carbohydrates such as: dry crackers, toast, rice, potatoes, bread, cereal & oatmeal
• Drink lots of water between meals, but avoid water during meals. Wait at least 30 minutes after eating before drinking fluids.
• Eat lean proteins such as poultry (without the skin) turkey, or low-fat dairy products, dry toasted nuts (almonds), tofu, boiled beans, eggs. Protein may decrease nausea.
• Avoid greasy or spicy foods.
• Avoid strong smells.
• Avoid getting out of bed quickly. Sit for a minute or so before getting out of bed.
• Sit upright after eating to avoid gastric reflux.
• Add ginger tea (1/2 cup decaffeinated hot tea & ½ cup ginger ale).
• Add ginger capsules, 250 mg three times a day.
• Try stimulation of the P6 acupuncture point (wristbands or acustimulation).
• For a safe & adequate nutrition throughout your pregnancy, schedule an appointment with one of DVIF&G’s dietician to promote healthy eating & appropriate weight gain. Your metabolism & nutritious regiment change throughout the pregnancy & lactation. What you know & practice in the non-pregnant state does NOT necessarily apply to your current state.

If the above methods aren’t helping, you can use the following as directed. These vitamins/supplements can be found at your local pharmacy.

• Start with pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) 10-25 mg, 3-4 times a day.
• Try the BNatal lollipop.
• If nausea & vomiting continue, then add Unisom tablets 25mg; take 1/2 tablet (12.5 mg) 3-4 times a day.

Here is a list of well-tolerated foods to try if you are craving:

• Salty: Chips & Pretzels
• Tart/Sweet: Pickles, lemonade, green apple
• Earthy: Brown rice
• Crunchy: Celery sticks, apples
• Soft: Breads, Noodles
• Sweet: Cereal, juice, melons, OJ
• Fruity: Fresh squeezed juices, Popsicles
• Wet: Seltzer, melons

Notify your doctors if you should develop any of the following:

• Weight loss of 5-10 pounds or more during the first trimester.
• You lose weight rapidly, more than a pound a week for several weeks.
• You are unable to keep any food or fluids down over a 24-hour period.
• Your urine becomes very dark, yellow or if you do not urinate for more than 8 hours.
• You have abdominal pain, fever, severe weakness, or feel faint.
• You vomit once an hour or more, and after every meal/snack.
• Your nausea is soo severe; you cannot eat without vomiting or retching.
• You vomit blood or feel your throat is extremely sore.