Top 5 Alternative Treatments for Pregnancy Sickness

Pregnancy sickness, otherwise known as morning sickness, typically starts around the 4^th week of gestation and lasts until the 20^th week of gestation (or so). While some expectant mothers will feel nauseous in the morning hours, others report feeling pregnancy sickness symptoms throughout the day. Fighting normal pregnancy sickness does not warrant prescription medication and some over the counter medications are not considered safe for use during pregnancy - even to fight pregnancy sickness. Women must find alternative treatments for pregnancy sickness to make it through those 16 weeks of nausea.

Hot Tea - Peppermint

Hot tea calms the throat and soothes the tummy. Peppermint is especially useful in calming stomach discomfort associated with pregnancy sickness. Try to find decaffeinated peppermint tea, often labeled herbal tea, because caffeine can cause increased heart rate and may be associated with pregnancy complications. Look at the ingredient list carefully as not all herbs are safe for use during pregnancy.

Hot Tea - Ginger

Another alternative treatment for pregnancy sickness is ginger. When taken as hot tea, it can be milder on the stomach helping the pregnant woman keep the ginger tea down long enough to soothe the stomach. Ginger is an alternative treatment for stomach and digestive discomfort that can safely be used for pregnancy sickness and stomach illnesses for people of all ages.

Hard Candy With Sugar or Honey

Sucking on hard candy, like peppermints, can help nausea. It is important to choose hard candies with sugar or honey whenever possible because sugar free varieties often contain sugar alcohols. Sugar alcohols can cause gastrointestinal side effects like gas, bloating and diarrhea - not a very good trade off for pregnancy sickness symptoms.

Abdominal Massage

A gentle massage of the stomach may help fend off nausea. Some pregnant women can lay propped up in bed and gently rub on their own tummy to relieve pregnancy sickness. Other women feel more comfortable with a partner or spouse rubbing their tummy. Remember, the stomach is located higher than most people realize - just behind the sternum.

Meditation - Relaxation

Tension can be the cause of pregnancy sickness for some expecting women. Before hopping out of bed in the morning, sit up and take several deep, long breaths. These cleansing breaths can be followed by measured breathing. Listening to relaxing music while breathing can help further relax the body and mind.

Pregnancy sickness is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms reported by women in the first trimester of pregnancy. Using these alternative methods of treatment, pregnancy sickness can be a thing of the past in just a few short minutes and women can enjoy more of their pregnancy.

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