Natural Morning Sickness Remedies (That Actually Work)
Jun 12, 2022Congratulations on your pregnancy, mama! Morning sickness is common because our bodies go through so much while we’re growing tiny humans. You definitely aren’t alone! With each of my pregnancies I’ve experienced different levels of nausea so I’m here to share all the natural remedies for morning sickness that really work.
WHY DO WE GET MORNING SICKNESS?
The most agreed upon answer for why 70% of pregnant mamas struggle with morning sickness is the rise in the hCG hormone, (human chorionic gonadotropin). (source) Another reason we’re thought to feel queasy is because our blood sugar levels change drastically during pregnancy to provide for our baby.
WHEN WILL MORNING SICKNESS END?
You might be a little upset with the person who came up with the term “morning sickness” because sometimes it feels like “all day sickness”, right? Thankfully there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, sweet friend. Most women see pregnancy nausea around 7-9 weeks. You can see it taper off as your hormones start to regulate a bit more around 14 weeks. (source)
SEE YOUR DOCTOR IF…
I’m a firm believer in listening to your body. If you’re concerned whatsoever, call your midwife or ob-gyn to get checked out. In rare cases, some women with severe nausea are diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum and you may need to restore fluids.
NATURAL MORNING SICKNESS REMEDIES:
1. SMALL MEALS
Imagine living on snack sized portions. That alone will help SO MUCH, mama friend. Keep snacks in your purse, diaper bag, and in the car. More snacks than you think you’ll ever possibly need. When we load our bodies with too much food during pregnancy we can have a hard time digesting all of it. Eat slowly and try bland foods if you’re super queasy. A good rule of thumb is the BRATT diet: bananas, rice, appleauce, toast, and tea. (more on tea in a bit!)
Pro tip: you’re in survival mode. A balanced diet will work wonders, but just eat what you can keep down even if that means you’re living on bean burritos and ginger ale.
2. VITAMIN B6
Vitamin B is water soluble, meaning your body doesn’t store it and we have to replenish it every day. Talk to your doctor or midwife to get the dosage, but a common recommendation is 10-25 milligrams every 8 hours.
3. PEPPERMINT
This is a super traditional option that comes in different forms. Peppermint oil is great to dilute and line your jaw with, or you can smell it directly from the bottle. Please make sure you’re using high quality, therapeutic grade oils that are meant for topical use if you choose to apply them on your skin.
Peppermint tea and hard candy are another great, quick option to relief queasiness from morning sickness.
4. MAGNESIUM
There are so many nerdy nutritional reasons and studies that show magnesium is beneficial during pregnancy. With supplements, the best rule is to source from whole foods first. If you’re nauseated, a whole bunch of leafy greens might not sound the best. Magnesium glycinate is my favorite oral supplement, and there’s also a magnesium lotion you can use! (This is perfect if you’re getting those glamorous leg cramps too.)
Want to know more about dosage? You can read more on magnesium supplementation benefits for mama and baby here. Be sure to check with your midwife or ob-gyn to see what they suggest also.
4. MAGNESIUM
There are so many nerdy nutritional reasons and studies that show magnesium is beneficial during pregnancy. With supplements, the best rule is to source from whole foods first. If you’re nauseated, a whole bunch of leafy greens might not sound the best. Magnesium glycinate is my favorite oral supplement, and there’s also a magnesium lotion you can use! (This is perfect if you’re getting those glamorous leg cramps too.)
Want to know more about dosage? You can read more on magnesium supplementation benefits for mama and baby here. Be sure to check with your midwife or ob-gyn to see what they suggest also.
5. GINGER
Did you ever have ginger ale as a kid when you had an upset stomach? It’s because ginger has been a go-to for nausea and vomiting for…ever. It’s one of the most popular remedies and comes in many forms! Ginger ale, ginger candy, tea, you name it.
6. SEA BANDS
Warning: these are not a fashion forward option. BUT they work. I laughed at Travis when he brought these home for me when I was pregnant with our second baby, Jep, but they literally saved me. This is the kind I used!
7. PAPAYA ENZYMES
Who would’ve thought a papaya could have so many benefits for morning sickness and digestion? It’s wild. But these papaya digestive enzymes are like a natural Tums and WORK. They’re amazing if you struggle with heartburn and indigestion too. Take four after a meal and you’re guaranteed to have an easier time.
8. HYDRATE
Try a little warm water with fresh lemon juice and a pinch of pink sea salt first thing in the morning. The lemon juice will help with morning sickness and a tiny bit of salt will help you absorb that water better since you’ve been asleep (and therefore dehydrating yourself) all night. During pregnancy it’s recommended you get 100 ounces of water daily!
A little carbonation from ginger ale or seltzer can help settle your belly. Dandelion root herbal tea is another great natural way to calm the queasiness.
MORNING SICKNESS WON’T LAST FOREVER.
I know it might feel like it, but there’s an end in sight! If we aren’t already friends on Instagram, be sure to pop over and say hi. You’ll see more natural tips and honest motherhood conversations happening over there too.
I’d love to hear which of these remedies helped you the most! Just drop a comment below. Anything I missed that really helped you during pregnancy? I’d love to hear that too.
Need some make ahead meal ideas? You can check out a roundup of nourishing freezer meals in this post.
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