Natural Remedies for Morning Sickness

Over half of all pregnant women suffer from morning sickness during pregnancy. Typically, morning sickness occurs during the first trimester, but can often extend well into the second trimester. Also, the term 'morning' sickness is actually a misnomer. Most women who have been pregnant will attest to the fact that morning sickness can and does occur at any time during the day or night.

Ever since Thalidomide (a drug prescribed for morning sickness in the early 60's) caused such tragic birth defects, pregnant women have been cautious about taking any unnatural remedy to treat morning sickness. The good news is nausea during pregnancy can be treated naturally. Below are some remedies that have been known to provide women some relief from morning sickness:

Ginger

Ginger root is a very effective treatment for nausea. Some women like to sip ginger ale, but unfortunately it may not provide enough ginger to sooth an upset stomach. The best way to reap the benefits of ginger for morning sickness is to soak ginger root in hot water to make a tea. Alternatively, small pieces of ginger can be soaked in honey and eaten (if gestational diabetes isn't a factor).

Apple Cider Vinegar

Pregnant women have used this remedy with positive results. Vinegar should not be taken alone, but in a full glass of water, sipped slowly until relief.

Lemon or Lemonade

It is unknown why lemon or lemonade provides relief from nausea in some pregnant women. Either sip a glass slowly, or if tolerated, sucking the juice of a lemon wedge can help nausea immensely.

Pure Peppermint Oil

Many pregnant women report peppermint oil as being something that fends off nausea or aids in relieving it. It can be as simple as brushing teeth with peppermint toothpaste, rubbing some peppermint oil on the gums, or simply inhaling the scent. Peppermint tea also helps to calm stomachs and brings about natural relief from morning sickness in some women.

Rice Water

Sipping the water leftover from boiling a half cup of rice with a cup of water can be effective in treating morning sickness naturally. It is not the most pleasant of tastes, but with a dash of salt, almost resembles a broth.

BRAT Diet

Some pregnant women find relief during the time period they are experiencing morning sickness by following a diet that is traditionally prescribed for nauseated children. This consists of bland foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. The idea is to eat bland, easily digestible foods in order to keep nausea at bay.

Crackers upon Waking

For women who find they do get nauseated first thing in the morning upon waking, crackers by the bedside can help. Before getting out of bed, take very small bites of a cracker until nausea subsides.

Morning sickness can be upsetting and can interrupt a woman's life during a time when she should be glowing with joy. However, it is treatable for most women and can be treated naturally.