Congratulations! You’re pregnant. How wonderful! How exhilarating… knowing that you’re creating a little person! 

You know what isn’t so awesome about pregnancy? Morning sickness!

It’s common enough, but that doesn’t make you feel any better, does it? Luckily, there are several ways you can combat first-trimester nausea. In this post we are covering:

• What is morning sickness?
• When does morning sickness start?
• When does morning sickness end?
• General remedies for morning sickness.
• Home remedies for morning sickness (including teas, supplements and essential oils for morning sickness.)
• Morning sickness – When to see the doctor?

What is Morning Sickness?

Around 75% of all pregnant women experience morning sickness – you are not alone! It is one of the first signs of early pregnancy – it starts to occur as your hormone levels change.

Vomiting and nausea are symptoms most commonly associated with morning sickness, but there are more.

Morning Sickness Symptoms

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Enhanced sense of smell
• Sensitivity to smell
• Thirst
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Morning sickness symptoms often begin around the 6th week of your first trimester. It’s not usually something you should worry about. In fact, several physicians hold the theory that morning sickness is a sign that your placenta is developing well. 

When Does Morning Sickness End?

Thankfully, you will find some relief soon. Most symptoms of morning sickness disappear around your 12th week of pregnancy. However, this is not always the case. 

General Remedies for Morning Sickness

Being pregnant is already an overwhelming experience. Add nausea and vomiting to the mix and you’ll probably just want to spend all day in bed. However, there are many remedies that can lessen or eliminate your symptoms altogether. Hopefully, some of these solutions will offer some morning sickness relief. 

1. Set an early alarm, then allow yourself plenty of time to wake up gently.
2. Keep water, and crackers at your bedside. It’s good to start your day with a few crackers. Doing so will kick your digestive system in gear. Do not allow your blood sugar level to get low because this causes nausea.
3. Make time for small meals throughout your day. It’s important that you do not get too full or too hungry.
4. Try to avoid becoming dehydrated. Drink light fluids through the day. However, make sure you do not incorporate them with your main meals.
5. Do not rest directly after a meal. You may feel more nausea afterward. However, it is important to get as much rest as possible.
6. Take naps when you can, especially when you wake up early.
7. Your senses are heightened. It’s vital to avoid foods or smells that make you feel sick.
8. Eat ginger. It is one of the most effective remedies. Bake ginger cookies and keep them on hand, drink ginger tea, eat ginger candy, drink ginger ale.
9. Try avoiding warm areas. They may increase your nausea.
10. Stay away from spicy or greasy meals.
11. Eat bland foods and carbs like breads.
12. Try to eat proteins, if you can stomach it. Moms report that foods that are high in protein help ease their tummy issues (related to pregnancy.) This is because proteins help ward off low blood sugar, which is a cause of nausea.
13. Prepare meals that lack a strong smell. Potatoes, vegetables, fruits, and bread are all good examples of what to eat instead.
14. Eat foods that are rich in vitamin B6. You may also supplement with it.

Home Remedies For Morning Sickness

If you’re feeling sick between meals, these snacks may help you find further relief. 

• Peppermint Tea
• Lemon Water
• Saltines or Club Crackers
• Ginger Snacks
• Pregnancy Popsicles
• Crunchy Pretzels 
• Ginger candy (specifically for morning sickness)
• Morning sickness candy

Essential Oils For Morning Sickness

Using essential oils for morning sickness is a safe and effective natural pregnancy remedy.

It is worth mentioning that you would be better off using essentials oils that are 100% pure therapeutic grade. Many moms recommend DoTerra and Spark Naturals. Plant Therapy and Healing Solutions are also said to be pure grade but slightly cheaper.

The following are known to be the go-to essential oils for morning sickness:

• Lemon
• Wild Orange
• Mandarin
• Ginger*
• Peppermint
• Lavender
• Fennel

How To Use Essentials Oils For Morning Sickness

• You will have to test a few samples to see which fragrance is most effective for you. Once you have one, simply pull out the bottle and breathe it in through your nose. Hold the bottle about an inch away from your nose. (Do not let the oils spill and come into direct contact with your skin.)
• If simply breathing in the oils is helpful to you, consider using a diffuser to allow the aroma to flow through the air in your home or workplace. Consider putting it next to your bed so that you wake up with that fragrance.
• Mix your Ginger, Sandalwood or Lavender with a carrier oil (like coconut oil, jojoba, etc) and rub it onto your belly.
• Throw 3-5 drops (of Fennel, Lemon, Ginger or Peppermint) into tea or water mixed with honey or stevia.
• Put a drop of Peppermint under your tongue, or mixed with a carrier oil, rub it into your belly or under your feet.
• Pour a few drops of Fennel, Ginger or Peppermint into a capsule, and drink it.
• Throw a few drops of oil, like Lavender or Fennel (or both) into a bath.

Supplements And Teas For Morning Sickness

Supplements and teas are easy to find. They’re often a good alternative when changing your diet doesn’t help.

Supplements For Morning Sickness Relief

Sparkling Mama Morning Sickness Relief is a doctor-formulated effervescent powder with B6 and Magnesium.

Pink Stork Pro is a pregnancy probiotic formulated to relieve morning sickness, heartburn and constipation.

Pregnancy pops are another natural and drug-free way to calm your stomach problems. They come in several flavors like mint, lavender, lemon, raspberry, ginger, and tangerine. They’re often recommended by doctors. 

Seabands are wristbands that help to prevent morning sickness. They use pressure points that are often referred to in acupuncture.

Teas For Morning Sickness Relief

Pink Stork Morning Sickness Relief Tea is ginger-peach flavored to help with morning sickness and indigestion.

“No To Morning Sickness Tea” can be served hot or cold, and can be used for cramps, constipation, and nausea.

Earth Mama, Morning Wellness tea is for occasional morning sickness.

Ginger Tea

Peppermint Tea

Lemon Tea

Morning Sickness – When to See Your Doctor

If you’re well past your 12th week of pregnancy, you might consider seeing your doctor. Some women experience intense, lasting, and painful vomiting for an extended period during their pregnancies. It may lead to a condition known as Hyperemesis Gravidarum. 

This painful condition is characterized by extreme nausea, dehydration, weight loss, and lowered electrolytes. If you catch it early enough, your case may be mild and would require outpatient treatments. These typically include diet restrictions, antacids, and adequate rest. 

Now, if your case is severe enough, you may be admitted to a hospital. The staff will provide you with intravenous fluids and nutrition. You may end up staying in the hospital for a few days to a week if this occurs. No matter what, see your doctor. Do not self-diagnose. 

Note From The Author

Pregnancy can be a challenging, yet beautiful experience. It’s full of ups and downs like you wouldn’t believe. Your body is changing, so is your appetite (or lack thereof). Morning sickness is an early symptom of pregnancy. It can be miserable; however, it is nothing to be concerned about. Plus, there are several ways to treat and prevent it.