Up to 80% of women experience some nausea and/or vomiting during pregnancy. Here our in-house Midwives give their expert tips on how to ease it.
Morning sickness, now more commonly referred to as Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (NVP) is common in early pregnancy. Most women see their symptoms easing off after the first 12 -16 weeks but everyone’s experience is different and for some, unfortunately, it can carry on into later pregnancy. Historically referred to as ‘morning sickness’ the truth is that NVP can happen at any time of day or night. Whilst uncommon, 1-2% of women can experience a severe form of NVP called Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) which can lead to severe dehydration and hospitalisation.
When you have NVP, it’s important not to feel guilty if you are unable to complete everyday tasks or if you are too tired to do much exercise. You are not alone. At least 30% of women will need some time off work during their pregnancy due to nausea and vomiting.
What Helps With NVP?
Unfortunately, there is no quick-fix cure for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP), however, there are certain things that help relieve feelings of nausea. Here are some things you can try to help with NVP:
1. Eat little and often
An empty stomach can make symptoms worse, so try eating and drinking little and often to keep up your fluid and energy levels. If you can predict the times that you may feel nauseous, try to eat something small, like a plain biscuit or rice cake just before. It can help stave off feelings of nausea. Grazing throughout the day rather than eating three big meals can also help to keep symptoms at bay. A good quality pregnancy supplement is also advised to help maintain the vitamins and minerals essential for a healthy pregnancy.
2. Take a specialise supplement
NVP supplements, such as our Ease The Quease contain ingredients that can help manage feelings of nausea during pregnancy. Our soothing melts include ginger, which is known to be an effective natural nausea reliever, Vitamins B6, B12 and C which contribute to the reduction of fatigue and tiredness and normal function of the immune system.
3. Avoid heavy carbs
Avoid heavy carbs, such as white pasta, rice, and bread, as these can increase cause spikes to your blood sugars, bloating and constipation and trigger nausea. Instead, try healthier alternatives such as pulses, brown rice, and nuts.
4. Drink peppermint tea
Avoiding or reducing caffeine is recommended in pregnancy with the NHS advising a limit of 200mg per day (the equivalent of two standard cups of coffee or one high street takeout cup). But caffeine can also be found in tea, some fizzy drinks and even chocolate!
If you are struggling with nausea or vomiting, try swapping out your breakfast tea for peppermint tea. It can have a soothing effect, relaxing gastric muscles and reducing cramps.
4. Rest up – fatigue and tiredness
Try to rest and listen to your body. A lack of sleep and tiredness can make nausea feel even worse, so ensure to include some protected relaxation time as an important part of your day; this could be feet up on the sofa watching your favourite show, an afternoon siesta, or a soothing bath or shower using products that help to soothe and calm your senses whilst caring, protecting and hydrating your skin.
5. Eat and drink ginger
As ginger has natural anti-nausea properties, try drinking hot water with fresh chopped ginger, snack on ginger biscuits, nibble or suck on crystallised ginger, sip on ginger ale, inhale ginger essential oil or take our Ease The Quease melts up to 3 times a day as needed.
6. Wear a motion sickness bracelet
These can be bought from most chemists. Some women find they work well, as they act upon acupressure points on your wrist to prevent you from feeling nauseous.
7. Drink lemon water
Lemon is not only a refreshing and welcome taste, but it is known to help soothe upset stomachs. Try a slice or a squeeze of lemon in some hot water.
8. Avoid rich, creamy, or spicy foods
These foods can take longer to digest and irritate your stomach, causing increased stomach acid and heartburn. Instead, eat lighter, blander foods in smaller portions, rather than large meals.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum - When To Seek Medical Help
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is severe NVP and is diagnosed when you are experiencing continuous sickness and your health and ability to have a normal lifestyle is compromised. You should contact your midwife or GP for medical advice if:
- You have tried self-help remedies, and nothing has eased your symptoms
- If you are unable to keep down any food or fluids for 24-48 hours
- You are not passing any or very little urine and it is dark in colour
- You feel weak or faint and not able to stand up for any length of time
- For more information and advice visit the NHS website or https://pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/
If you are admitted to hospital for treatment, a doctor will assess you and a plan of care will be made for your needs. Although treatments can temporarily relieve your symptoms, it is common for them to return.
You can expect to be offered anti-sickness medication via an injection until you can tolerate this in tablet form. There are several different medications available and there is usually one, or a combination of more than one, that will work for you.
You may also be offered intravenous (IV) fluids if you are unable to keep food and water down. This involves inserting a needle (cannula) into your hand to deliver replacement fluid into your body. This will temporarily rehydrate you and make you feel much better, whilst the right medication is found to help ease your sickness.
Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is nausea and vomiting in pregnancy called morning sickness?
The name morning sickness was attributed to feelings of nausea and sickness because it was most commonly experienced in the morning by women when waking up. This unpleasant pregnancy symptom has been linked to a pregnancy hormone called GDF-15 and can strike at any time of day or night. Morning sickness is now more commonly referred to as Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy (NVP).
2. What does NVP feel like?
Morning sickness symptoms can include feeling queasy, extremely nauseated, and sometimes vomiting. Some people liken it to motion sickness. You may also feel extremely fatigued.
3. When does NVP start and end?
Morning sickness can start in the early stages of pregnancy and usually eases off by week 12 - 16. However, everyone is different, and some find it continues throughout their pregnancy.
4. Is NVP a good sign?
Feelings of nausea are linked to hormonal changes, therefore feeling nauseous could be linked to still having pregnancy hormones circulating in the body meaning it is not always a sign of a healthy or a live pregnancy.
5. How do you know if nausea is NVP?
You will only know if your nausea is pregnancy-related by taking a pregnancy test to check this.
Summary
Although no one likes to experience sickness and nausea, there are self-help remedies you can try, and your symptoms will more than likely ease off once you are beyond 12 weeks pregnant. Very few women will experience severe sickness and nausea but, if you do, medical help can enable you to manage those symptoms.
