Have Morning Sickness? Alternative Remedies that may Help

Morning sickness is a very common condition that women experience during the first trimester of pregnancy. As most people try to avoid drugs during pregnancy the use of alternative medicine for morning sickness is becoming more popular. In the first trimester of their pregnancy most women experience nausea and vomiting when they wake up in the morning. Hence the term "morning sickness". The morning sickness symptoms may also occur during the day or night in some pregnant women. In most women the symptoms are usually mild but in some cases the symptoms may be severe. The exact cause of morning sickness is not known but it is thought that high levels of the pregnancy hormone and estrogen in the bloodstream as well as muscle relaxation in the digestive tract and a heightened sense of smell during the first trimester, are the contributing factors. Although symptoms of morning sickness usually disappear after the first trimester of pregnancy, because of the great inconvenience most women seek relief from it, especially with the help of alternative medicines. Following are a few alternative remedies few morning sickness.

1. Pregnant women experiencing morning sickness should eat small and frequent meals. Both an empty stomach and a excessively filled stomach can be conducive to nausea and vomiting. The low blood sugar due to an empty stomach can also cause nausea. That is why doctors advise eating a few crackers on waking up in the morning to relieve the symptoms.

2. Pregnant women usually experience aversion to one or more items of food. Therefore they should avoid less appealing foods. The more appealing foods are more likely to remain in the stomach longer.

3. It is important to stay hydrated during this period. Nausea is worsened by dehydration and hence drinking a lot of fluids or eating fruits like grapes, water melons or other fruits with high water content helps prevent dehydration.

4. Many pregnant women have found great relief by taking a vitamin B6 supplement. Vitamin B6 is harmless if taken in recommended doses. Even some doctors have recommended it for relief from morning sickness. Still it is advisable to consult your doctor.

5. Another old and very popular alternative medicine for morning sickness is ginger. During my first pregnancy my mother had recommended taking ginger in food or drink form. Sometimes I used to drink ginger tea and for variation I used to sometimes eat ginger snaps instead. Ginger foods are usually available in health food stores. A friend also had great relief from morning sickness by taking 1 gram of ginger powder every day. Ginger has been used for relief from nausea and vomiting since olden times and is quite harmless.

6. Many pregnant women have found great relief from morning sickness with acupuncture. Acupuncture is a natural method and is completely harmless. However to get proper treatment you have to make sure that the acupuncturist is well trained, experienced and properly accredited.

7. Acupressure has also been found to be very useful in controlling morning sickness. Below the wrist of each hand there are acupressure points called "neiguan". These are located on the inside of the wrist. They are located about three finger-lengths below the wrist band. Applying firm and constant pressure on that area with the tip of the thumb brings relief. I know about this because a friend had told me about it during my first pregnancy and I had used it fruitfully. Seasickness straps having bumps for applying pressure at the "neiguan' points are available in marine supply and health food stores. You can also search online for them. Although they are meant to help prevent nausea and vomiting from seasickness and carsickness they are being beneficially used by pregnant women to get relief from morning sickness.

8. Homeopathy also has several remedies which can be taken to prevent morning sickness. Remedies like ipecac, nux vomica, pulsatilla and others can be used in 30c potency. However, as the selection of the right homeopathic remedy depends on several factors, consulting an accredited practitioner is advisable. Homeopathic medicines have no side effects and can be taken safely during pregnancy.