Posted by Savneet Singh on Jun.22, 2010

ⓒ iStockPhoto - BrianAJackson

Almost 75% women experience nausea during the first trimester of pregnancy, and about 50% of those will be sick enough to vomit. No pregnant woman welcomes the uncomfortable sensations of morning sickness, also called nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP), but it appears to actually positive impact. Women who experience sickness have a substantially lower risk of miscarriage than those who do not.

The nausea usually begins with fifth week of gestation. It peeks by eleven weeks and typically subsides by fifteenth or sixteenth week. But a small percentage of women can have it throughout the pregnancy.

Several scientists have suggested that morning sickness provides a protective mechanism for the early embryo. The mother’s sensitivity to many foods may keep her away from ingesting certain food that may be harmful for the baby, like meat, fish, poultry, caffeine-containing beverages and certain vegetables. A few simple solutions relieve morning sickness

How to Get Relief

Medicines used to treat nausea in the past have notoriously bad reputations. Most woman with nausea try a variety of techniques to quiet their queasy stomachaches. Things like dry fruits and carbonated drinks prove to be helpful. In addition to this, lying down, getting fresh air and mental concentration are also effective for many women. Some remedies include ginger, aromatic herbs, vitamin B6 and acupressure.

Ginger

Ginger is often used to aid digestion and improve circulation. It has been found that 75% women got relief of their nausea from the ginger. The important thing is that it hardly has any side effects, though in large doses it can thin blood. This clearly means that it appears safe during pregnancy where there is low risk of bleeding disorders.

You can take ginger in your tea. Make tea from one teaspoon of freshly grated ginger root and 2 cups of hot water. Add honey to the tea and make it sweet. Now sit down and sip it slowly. You can also chew on half teaspoon of grated ginger root mixed with maple syrup when you feel nauseated.

Aromatic Herbs

Morning sickness can be relieved with aromatic herbs as well. Peppermint, chamomile and cinnamon tea can soothe your stomach and provide relief. Alfalfa can also prove to be effective, as does sucking on a clove bud.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 may be helpful in reducing the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy at dosages of 25 milligrams every eight hours. Note that B6 can cause nerve toxicity at very high dose, so limit the intake of a total of 75 milligrams per day from both food and supplement sources.

Acupressure

The stimulation of the acupuncture point Pericardium 6 (P6) has an anti-nausea effect. This point, known as Neiguan, is located two finger width below the crease of your wrist in the palm side of your lower arm. You can stimulate the point by massaging it with your thumb or wearing an elastic band designed to stimulate the point. You can find these inexpensive bands, sold under the name Sea-Band, easily at drugstores.

Dietary Adjustments

Light and easily digested food intake can prove to be very effective as compared to the heavier ones. Eat protein-rich snacks and try to avoid fried, greasy and fatty food. Eat a few unsalted crackers or have a piece of toast as you wake up in the morning. Go for a massage daily if possible and approved by your obstetrician or midwife.

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Posted under Health Facts.