Tips to Beat Morning Sickness

Morning sickness can come at any time during the day - not just in the morning. There are many things that trigger morning sickness, and many things you can do to help prevent or alleviate the nausea and vomiting.

Few women experience severe symptoms of morning sickness (also known as hyperemesis gravidarum). Most symptoms of morning sickness go away after a few weeks, but if they persist for longer, are severe (you can't keep anything down for longer than one hour), and debilitating, call your obstetrician or visit an emergency room immediately. You can become quickly dehydrated and may require an IV to replace fluids lost during vomiting.

Triggers that may cause morning sickness

• Smells and odors (such as food, pet, body odor, fragrances, deodorants, garbage, fuel, paint)

• Fatigue (especially if you were up all night vomiting)

• Areas or rooms with stale, damp air

• Foods (especially greasy or spicy)

• Empty stomach (accumulated acid in stomach)

• Noises (sudden noise, loud music, traffic, sirens, construction sites)

• Abrupt, sudden movements (motion sickness)

• Bright, glaring lights

• Hot/cold weather, humidity

Morning sickness remedies

• Eat small, frequent meals high in protein and fiber. Avoid fatty, rich, or spicy foods. Fatty foods take longer to digest (and your digestion is slow enough already!) and bland foods tend to be easier on your stomach.

• Get plenty of rest (take naps during the day or when you feel most nauseated).

• Keep bag of snack foods (unsalted pretzels, nuts, granola bars, dried fruit, breadsticks, crackers) with you at all times to keep your stomach comfortable

• Chew Tums or other safe antacids when nauseated or after vomiting.

• Try wearing an acupressure band - often sold as a motion-sickness band. There is a pressure point on your wrist that may help relieve nausea from pregnancy as well as motion.

• Sip water throughout the day. Don't drink so much that you feel full, which can slosh around in your stomach and add to nausea, but drink a little every few minutes.

• Eat a snack before you get up in the morning. Keep crackers by your bed and eat a few 20 minutes before trying to get up. This will help settle your stomach before you begin moving around.

• Take your time getting out of bed in the morning; slowly change positions when lying down

• Keep moist, unscented towelettes nearby to refresh your face after nausea or vomiting

• Get some exercise (brisk walk, swimming, bicycle riding, yoga, stretching)

• Get fresh air by either going outside or opening windows

• Try snacking on ginger. For some, fresh or candied ginger can ease morning sickness.

• Identify triggers and avoid them as much as possible

• Taking vitamin B6 supplements seems to help some women with morning sickness, but should only be taken in recommended doses, so first talk to your health care provider.