Morning sickness, though a common experience in early pregnancy, can be an exhausting and challenging time for many women. While it’s typically associated with nausea and vomiting, these symptoms can often extend beyond the morning hours and occur throughout the day. The good news is that morning sickness is usually temporary and tends to improve after the first trimester. In this guide, we will explore common questions about morning sickness including how to stop it in early pregnancy and offer you effective tips to help you feel better and reduce discomfort.

What Triggers Morning Sickness in Early Pregnancy?

Nausea and vomiting in the early weeks of pregnancy are largely linked to shifts in hormone levels. As pregnancy begins, the body produces increasing amounts of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to support the developing embryo, along with a sharp rise in estrogen. These hormonal changes are believed to play a key role in causing morning sickness.

In addition to hormonal changes, several other factors can contribute to morning sickness. These include heightened sensitivity to certain smells, low blood sugar, fatigue, and even stress. For some women, morning sickness may continue into the second trimester or even longer, though it typically subsides after the first few months.

While most cases of morning sickness are mild and resolve on their own, some women experience more severe forms that can interfere with daily life. However, there are plenty of ways to help reduce the symptoms and improve your comfort as you navigate through this challenging time.

How To Stop Morning Sickness In Early Pregnancy: X Effective Tips

• Eat Small, Frequent Meals

One of the most effective ways to reduce the effects of morning sickness is by consuming smaller, frequent meals throughout the day. This helps prevent your stomach from becoming too empty, which can trigger nausea. Instead of sticking to three large meals, try eating five or six smaller meals spread throughout the day. Stick to bland, easily digestible foods such as crackers, rice, and dry toast, which are gentle on the stomach and less likely to aggravate nausea.

It can also help to eat something before you even get out of bed. Keep a small snack, such as a piece of toast or a couple of crackers, by your bedside. Eating something light before moving around can help settle your stomach and prevent the onset of nausea.

• Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is a common issue during pregnancy, especially if you’re vomiting frequently. Drinking enough fluids is crucial, as dehydration can worsen morning sickness. It’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day, but take small sips of water to avoid overwhelming your stomach.

If plain water isn’t appealing, try sipping on other fluids, such as ginger tea, coconut water, or herbal teas, which can be soothing. Ginger in particular has been shown to help reduce nausea. If you feel like drinking large amounts of water all at once is too much, try sipping on ice chips or drinking fluids through a straw to make the process easier.

• Try Ginger Remedies

Ginger is widely recognized for its ability to ease nausea. Studies have suggested that ginger may be particularly helpful in reducing the severity of morning sickness. You can add ginger to your diet in multiple forms, such as ginger tea, ginger ale, ginger candies, or even fresh ginger. Simply adding a small amount of ginger to your diet may help settle your stomach and reduce nausea.

Although ginger is generally considered safe during pregnancy, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you’re thinking about taking ginger supplements. They can guide you on the appropriate dosage to avoid any potential issues.

• Avoid Strong Smells

Pregnancy often comes with an increased sensitivity to smells, and certain odors can trigger nausea or make morning sickness worse. If you find that specific scents in food, perfume, or cleaning products aggravate your symptoms, it’s helpful to avoid them as much as possible.

In the kitchen, try having someone else do the cooking or open windows to ventilate the space. If you’re at work or school, keep a small bottle of essential oils (like peppermint or lavender) on hand to help neutralize offensive smells. If you’re sensitive to strong smells in public places, try to avoid crowded or stuffy environments when possible.

• Acupressure Wristbands

Acupressure is a technique that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to alleviate symptoms like nausea. Some women find relief from morning sickness by wearing acupressure wristbands, which target the P6 point on the inner wrist, about two finger widths below the crease. This wristband is designed to put gentle pressure on the point, which may help reduce nausea.

Acupressure bands are widely available and can be found online or in health food stores. If you’re unsure how to use them or if they’re suitable for your situation, consult your healthcare provider to get more information on this method.

• Vitamin B6 Supplements

Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, has been shown to help reduce the severity of morning sickness in many women. Studies suggest that taking vitamin B6 supplements may reduce nausea and vomiting. The recommended dosage for morning sickness is typically between 10 and 25 mg per day.

If you’re already taking a prenatal vitamin, it’s likely that you’re already getting some vitamin B6. However, if your symptoms persist, you can talk to your healthcare provider about taking additional vitamin B6 supplements to help manage your symptoms.

• Rest and Stress Reduction

Fatigue can significantly worsen the symptoms of morning sickness, so it’s important to prioritize rest when you’re learning how to deal with morning sickness during early pregnancy. Make sure you are getting enough sleep at night (7 to 9 hours) and consider taking short naps during the day if you feel particularly tired.

In addition to physical rest, managing stress can also be beneficial. High levels of stress can make nausea worse, so incorporating relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or even a calming walk outside can help alleviate symptoms. Try to maintain a routine that allows you to take breaks and de-stress throughout the day.

• Try Eating Protein-Rich Foods

Including protein-rich foods in your diet can help stabilize blood sugar levels, which in turn may reduce nausea. Low blood sugar can often exacerbate morning sickness, so it’s important to have balanced meals that provide steady energy throughout the day. Include protein-packed snacks, such as nuts, yogurt, eggs, or lean meats, to keep nausea at bay. These foods are also more filling, helping to prevent your stomach from becoming too empty, which can trigger nausea. If you’re sensitive to certain textures or flavors, try simple options like boiled eggs, nut butter, or plain yogurt that are easier to digest.

Overall, morning sickness can be one of the most uncomfortable aspects of early pregnancy, but with the right approaches, it’s possible to reduce symptoms and manage nausea. From dietary changes to lifestyle adjustments and natural remedies, there are several ways to make this experience more tolerable.

When to Seek Medical Help

While morning sickness is generally not harmful, there are cases where it can become severe and require medical intervention. If your symptoms are persistent and you are unable to keep food or fluids down, it may be a sign of hyperemesis gravidarum, a more severe form of morning sickness that can cause dehydration, weight loss, and other complications.

If you notice the following symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention:

• Severe vomiting or inability to keep food or fluids down
• Signs of dehydration (such as dark urine, dry mouth, dizziness)
• Weight loss
• Abdominal pain
• Persistent symptoms beyond the first trimester

A pregnancy care specialist can help assess your condition, run necessary tests, and recommend medications or treatments to manage your symptoms and maintain your well-being.

The content in this article is not medical advice. Patients should contact their healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.