Surviving Morning Sickness: When It Peaks and How to Cope – Discover the toughest weeks and 10 essential survival strategies in this insightful guide.
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Let’s start with some facts: About 75 percent of pregnant women experience morning sickness! That’s almost 4 million women in the US affected each year. That’s to say that at least you’re far from being alone in this, and it’s totally normal!
Morning sickness (although it can happen any time of the day, or night) is usually its worst during your first trimester. It’s one of the earliest signs of pregnancy, and it can start as soon as six weeks after conception and last up until week sixteen. However, for most people, it passes by around weeks 12-14.
The Hardest Week for Morning Sickness Is …
Most pregnant women report having their morning sickness peak in the ninth week of pregnancy. This is when it tends to become the most intense, and it also marks the time when you start looking for ways to reduce the intensity of your morning sickness!
The culprit behind this often debilitating symptom of pregnancy? That would be the sudden increase in hormones. During the first trimester, your body starts to produce more estrogen and progesterone which give you those wonderful pregnancy vibes – but they can also make you feel nauseous and dizzy. As your body adjusts to hormonal changes, it’s normal to experience some nausea and even some vomiting.
While pregnancy sickness is usually normal, if it stops you from keeping any of your meals down or if it doesn’t fade away after the first trimester, talk to your doctor about it.
Is Morning Sickness a Sign that You’re Having a Girl? or A Boy?
You have probably heard this one before, if you’re pregnant with a girl, you’ll have more severe morning sickness than if it were a boy. The jury is still out on this one – the evidence just isn’t there yet! But don’t worry, severe morning sickness doesn’t necessarily mean you’re having a girl or vice versa.
From my own experience, I did not get any morning sickness when I was pregnant with my girl. And you’ll find many women pregnant with boys experiencing extreme pregnancy sickness. So don’t take this as a sign that you have any gender preference in your womb!
10 Survival Strategies for Morning Sickness
So how do you cope with morning sickness? Here are 10 tried-and-true survival strategies that you can try:
#1 Get Plenty of Sleep
Now more than ever, your body needs sleep! It’s important to get at least 7-8 hours of quality rest each day in order to keep your energy up and reduce morning sickness. But try to avoid lying down right after a meal, it could actually add to your sickness. Instead, take a walk or do some light exercise to help with digestion.
#2 Start Your Day Slow
While pregnant, you get to set your own pace. Take your time in the morning. Sit up for a while on your bed, and nibble on some dry crackers or some unroasted almonds if you like. Starting your day slow can help you feel more energized throughout the day and help reduce morning sickness symptoms.
#3 Eat Small, Frequent Meals
Eating little and often can help provide your body with much-needed energy and nutrition throughout the day without overloading it. Try having six mini meals a day instead of the classic 3 meals and 2 snacks. This way, your stomach won’t be empty and you’ll have something to turn to when those waves of nausea hit.
#4 Stay Hydrated
It’s important to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day because dehydration only makes nausea worse. Keep a water bottle close to you throughout the day. You can sip on plain water, or try infusing your water with a slice of ginger root (more on that right below) or a slice of lemon for added antioxidants and Vitamin C.
#5 Ginger Is Your Friend!
Ginger is one of the oldest and most popular natural remedies for nausea. You can drink ginger tea, try some ginger candy, or simply grate a piece of fresh ginger root with your meal. Some women find that it helps to reduce morning sickness symptoms significantly, and there are studies to back this up.
#6 Stay Away from Trigger Foods and Smells
Stick to bland and easily digestible foods like oatmeal, toast, and potatoes as these can help reduce nausea. Some women also find that eating proteins such as eggs or lean meats helps to settle their stomachs. In general, whatever foods you feel trigger your nausea should be avoided if possible. Strong odors – like food cooking, perfume, smoke, etc. – can also be a real trigger for morning sickness!
#7 Say No to Fatty, Spicy, Junk Food
Avoid fatty or greasy foods that take longer for your body to break down – they’ll only make you feel worse! Spicy foods can also cause heartburn and upset stomachs, which you definitely don’t need right now. And of course, stay away from junk food!
#8 Take Vitamin B6 Supplements
Vitamin B6 in a supplement form has been found to be effective in reducing the severity of morning sickness. Deficiency of Vitamin B6 has been linked to increased morning sickness, and taking it in a supplement form can provide relief. Check with your doctor before taking any supplements though!
#9 Wear Loose-Fitting Clothes
It might be time to trade your skinny jeans and tight shirts for more comfortable clothing. Try wearing loose-fitting clothes, like a dress or a maxi skirt that doesn’t put pressure on your stomach area. This can help you feel more relaxed and reduce the feeling of nausea significantly. Of course, loose fitting doesn’t mean ill-fitting! You can still look stylish and feel comfortable.
#10 Try a Sickness Wristband
If you’re looking for relief from morning sickness that doesn’t involve taking medication, acupressure therapy could be the answer. This ancient Chinese practice has been used for centuries to treat nausea and other physical ailments. It works by applying pressure on specific points in the body to relieve blockages and stimulate healing energy flow. Many women report feeling much better after trying this technique!
You can find affordable motion-sickness wristbands on Amazon. Those wristbands apply constant pressure to specific acupressure points on the wrist and can be very effective at preventing nausea. Just make sure that you wear your wristband as directed so that the plastic button presses on the exact pressure point on your wrist and not elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
No one can tell you exactly what will work for your morning sickness, as it’s different for every woman. What worked for me might not necessarily work for you. The most important thing is to listen to your body and be mindful of what triggers your nausea in order to find the best way to address it. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or midwife if you need more advice or support.
Remember to take it easy on yourself and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Morning sickness can be tough but there are ways of coping with it that can make this part of your pregnancy a much more enjoyable experience.
The purpose of this article is informative and educational only. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Babycious may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content.
