to settle on a meal to eat. Not eating while pregnant, or eating something that gives mom the ick both can lead to nausea.
While acknowledging and avoiding food aversion triggers is helpful, so is find- ing safe foods that can be tolerated. Maintaining a bland diet during morning sickness heavy times can ease diges- tion, and some experts suggest giving the BRAT diet a try—bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. This can also ease heartburn, another pregnancy-related symptom many women experience. A well-rounded diet is often thought of as breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, grazing throughout the day is a great way for pregnant women to maintain their energy levels, avoid blood sugar drops, and keep morning sickness at bay. Incorporating healthy snacks like plain popcorn, yogurt, crackers with almond butter, pretzels with hummus, hard boiled eggs, cottage cheese, and avocado toast is a good way to keep the body going and the nausea away. Some- thing small, yet nutritious as a snack may be what solves a morning-sick- ness-momma’s ailment.
WHEN TO SEEK HELP? If you are considering asking your doc- tor about your morning sickness, do it! Afterall, they are experts and can offer suggestions based on your unique med- ical history. Not all morning sickness is “just” morning sickness. Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a case of severe morning sickness that results in weight loss, dehydration, and persistent nausea. Women with HG may need IV fluids. The short of it is that morning sick- ness is a normal, but awful part of preg- nancy. It is temporary, but when you are in the thick of it, that’s the last thing you want to hear. “You’ll forget about your morning sickness when you have your baby in your arms” doesn’t help a woman who has spent hours with her head in the toilet bowl. For now, stay hydrated, sip on ginger ale, eat healthy snacks in between meals, get rest, and don’t be afraid to consult with your OB. This morning sickness stuff may be mis- erable, but you are one tough mother.
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO EASE SYMPTOMS?
Firstly, if excessive vomiting is oc- curring, replacing fluids is important. Stay hydrated as much as possible during those morning sickness eras, and all other stages of pregnancy, too. Chomping on ice or even enjoying some popsicles to keep fluids in is a favorable hydration method for many mommas-to-be. While there isn’t much that can be done to regulate fluctuating hormones, there are a few small changes that may help relieve morning sickness. A natural remedy that may provide relief during bouts of morning sickness is ginger. There are ginger chews, gummies, and hard candies marketed specifically as morning sickness remedies. Sipping on ginger ale may also be helpful.
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