More than what we read about morning sickness, we’ve heard a lot about it from many pregnant women. Morning sickness is an unpleasant accessory to one’s pregnancy. Probably this is nature’s way of preparing a woman for the eventual hardships that she will face shortly. Studies reveal that 80% of pregnant women suffer from morning sickness during pregnancy. Although it is an irritable health condition, it does not cause any harm to the mother and child in the majority of cases unless the symptoms are extremely severe.

What is morning sickness?

Despite the word indicating “morning”, it is not necessary that this condition turns up only in the mornings. It may affect the pregnant women at any time of the day. Surprisingly, it can even be in the middle of a night. This may include nausea and vomiting or just the vomiting sensation without the actual vomiting. Though I’ve heard many women complaining of this discomfort till their 5th month, it is more common in the first trimester of the gestation period. But few women may have this even in their third trimester. Call a doctor if there are persistently extreme symptoms, if you pass dark coloured urine or very less amount of it, if you feel faint or dizzy, and if blood in vomiting and high heart beat is seen.

Here are some ways by which you may get some relief from your morning sickness:

Divide your meal in multiple small portions: Nausea worsens if the stomach is empty. Frequently eating small portions of your meal helps the sugar levels on an even tone. Keep nutrition rich snacks aside for munching throughout the day. If vomited, big meals are a waste without serving the purpose and hence go for the smaller ones.

Go for a protein rich diet: Consume foods which are easily digestible and are rich in protein and vitamin B. Keep oily, acidic and spicy foods away as such contents can erupt nausea.

Pick cold meal not to get cooking smells: I was on toes during my pregnancy days when garlic was being used in cooking and boiling. It used to drive me nuts. Cold foods do not emit the food aroma as hot food does. This subsides your nausea to some extent. Continue having cold foods till your nausea becomes a passé cloud.

Increase drinks in between meals: If you have a tough time keeping down the volume of fluids, avoid taking them during meals. However, add fluids in between the meals as it is essential to be hydrated during your pregnancy.

Sniff the aroma of citrus fruits or ginger: Citrus fruits such as lemon, orange and sweet lime may help you ease your vomiting sensation. Ginger also works similarly if sniffed. Add lemon and ginger to your green tea or black tea to get rid of nausea.

Keep perfumes and scents away: Surprisingly perfumes and aromatic scents trigger nausea. Body odours are quiet irritating as I disliked my husband’s body odour which I earlier liked very much. The poor creature had to always be away from me. Avoiding these can help you get better.

Take anti-nausea tic pills on prescription: Take a suggestion from your doctor in using the anti-nauseatic pills if you have too many issues with it or if the nausea is persistent even after the first trimester.

Get a fresh breathe: Get out and take a fresh breathe in a garden or greenery. Avoid areas with heavy blooms as pollen may erupt the nausea tic elements in you. A fresh breeze can take away nausea. Try and figure out these tips to conquer the morning sickness. Understand that this is a temporary element and you will see days with perfectly rising sun. Enduring this discomfort would prepare you for the required toughness when you become a mother.