Holistic Remedies For Morning Sickness

Morning sickness during pregnancy is caused by hormonal changes, vitamin deficiency, low blood sugar, strong smells, fowl odors, lack of exercise, stress, fatigue,  constipation, anxiety and worry about pregnancy. It's more common with the first child, if it’s a girl, and if you're carrying multiple babies.

Morning sickness is usually the worst between the 6th and 12th weeks of pregnancy, but in some can last longer and throughout entire pregnancy. Here are some natural remedies that I've gathered over the years that my pregnant clients have found to be helpful.

Stay Hydrated. If water won’t stay down, try frozen juice popsicles. My clients also swear by sucking on Lemon Ice Cubes throughout the day. Just mix one quart water, the juice of 2-4 lemons, and Stevia to taste in a bowl, pour into an ice-cube tray, and enjoy after frozen. For a little extra healing goodness add some grated ginger.

Take B Vitamins & Zinc. Try zinc supplements, as well as taking B6 every 8 hours, which can aid nausea and vomiting. Also, try a food-based B-complex vitamin and iron supplement, which are generally non constipating and safe to take during your entire pregnancy. Brewer’s yeast is high in B vitamins, which prevent nausea, and is good sprinkled on cereal or rice.

Make Your Own DIY Belly Rub. Use 1 drop of peppermint oil to 3 drops chamomile oil. Peppermint oil is stimulating so a little goes a long way ... Place on a warm, damp towel, and rub your belly.

Rest. Being overtired makes morning sickness worse., talk to your doctor before you begin your new vitamin routine.

Wear Motion Sickness Wristbands. Every where you go.

Eat A Good-Sized Protein Snack Before Bed. This will help maintain blood sugar stabilization overnight.

Drink Tea. Raspberry leaf, peppermint, and anise varieties are all helpful and pregnancy-safe.

Load Up On Ginger. Fresh ginger can be cut and grated into plain hot water or tea. You can also take ginger in capsule form, drink ginger ale or ginger brew (a healthier choice), or eat ginger chews (candy).

Exercise. If you can stomach it, mild exercise and walking can relieve nausea-triggering hormonal activity.

Fresh Air. Step outside and suck it in.

Foods To Try. Eat a protein-rich snack before bed, such as natural cheese or yogurt. Keep a box of crackers near your bed and eat a few before getting up in the morning. Likewise, keep apple juice by your bed and sip it through the night to keep your blood sugar stable. Another tip: Place one drop of peppermint oil on a sugar cube and suck on it.

–Lori’s Morning Sickness Juice Recipe.

3 organic apples (cut and quartered)

1/4-1/2 inch of organic ginger (peeled)

3 ribs of organic celery

half a lemon

Put all ingredients through a juicer

Sip throughout the day.

Eat Often. Consume 5-6 meals a day, so you are eating every few hours. Make sure they include some carbs and protein to maintain your blood sugar level.

Foods To Avoid. Anything spicy, fried, fatty, or greasy, as well as caffeine and artificial sweeteners.

Slow Your Roll. In the morning, get out of bed slowly and avoid sudden movements. And keep a box of saltines by the side of your bed. try eating a few before getting out of bed.

Acupuncture. These treatments are often really helpful for some morning sickness sufferers.

Avoid Strong Odors. Skip the perfume, scented candles, etc., and ask your partner to do the same.

Yoga. There are several gentle poses that can help. Try sitting on the floor, cross-legged, bending forward and resting your elbows and forehead on a chair. The reclining hero pose 

For more tips from Bregman, scoop up The Mindful Mom-To-Be, $14.53, Amazon.