Morning Sickness Survival Guide for New Moms
If you’re a first-time mom dealing with morning sickness, welcome to the club! That queasy, unsettled feeling is one of the earliest (and least pleasant) signs of pregnancy. While it’s called “morning” sickness, anyone who has experienced it knows the nausea can strike at any time of day or night. A sudden smell, drinking cold water, someone cooking in the kitchen -these are irritants that can come without warning.
As a mom-to-be, you’re not alone in your suffering. Up to 80% of pregnant women experience some degree of morning sickness, usually starting around 6 weeks and peaking around 9 weeks. For most, it starts to subside by the second trimester as hormones level out. But about 1 in 5 unlucky ladies deal with it throughout their entire pregnancy. I know it’s no fun!
The good news is there are plenty of safe, effective remedies to help get you through this rocky phase. I’ve rounded up the top morning sickness fighters recommended by doctors and battle-tested by moms. Give these a try and hopefully you’ll be back to feeling like your old self in no time!
- Ginger – The all-natural nausea ninja 🥋
Ginger has been used as a natural remedy for upset stomachs for centuries, and it’s one of the go-to recommendations for morning sickness relief. You can take it in many forms – ginger tea, ginger ale, ginger candies, or ginger supplements. The key active ingredients in ginger (gingerol and shogaol) seem to have superior stomach-settling powers. Salabat with a bit of honey worked great for me! - Vitamin B6 and Doxylamine – A dynamic duo 💥
This combo of vitamin B6 and the over-the-counter sleep aid doxylamine (Unisom or Lazada) packs a powerful anti-nausea punch. In fact, it’s been approved by the FDA for morning sickness under the brand name Diclegis. Many doctors recommend starting with the separate OTC ingredients first since they are very affordable. - Preggie Pop Drops – Lollipops with a purpose 🍭
These flavorful hard candies were invented by a mom for moms dealing with morning sickness. The all-natural flavors like lavender, sour lemon and green apple help control nausea through aromatherapy and replacing lost electrolytes. Plus, they give your mouth something to focus on besides that icky feeling. - Crackers – The humble morning sidekick 🥨
Keeping some plain crackers by your bedside and nibbling them first thing can help settle your queasy stomach before you even get out of bed. The bland carbs and the act of munching can keep nausea at bay. Saltines are the classic choice, but any plain cracker should do the trick. - Peppermint – A breath of fresh air 🌿
Peppermint has long been used to calm upset stomachs and the menthol aroma can help control nausea and vomiting. Sip some peppermint tea, sniff a peppermint essential oil, or suck on peppermint candies when morning sickness strikes. The cooling sensation can provide near-instant relief. - Acupressure Wristbands – Applying pressure for relief 💆
These stretchy wristbands apply gentle pressure to the Nei-Guan point on your inner wrist, which is thought to help relieve nausea. They’re inexpensive, drug-free, and many moms swear by them for morning sickness. You can find them at most drugstores. - Stay Hydrated – Sip your way to feeling better 💦
Dehydration can make nausea much worse, so make sure you’re drinking enough fluids throughout the day. Keep a water bottle nearby and take small, frequent sips. Ginger ale, electrolyte drinks, popsicles and ice chips can also help replenish fluids when you’re struggling to keep anything down.
No matter which remedies you try, be sure to listen to your body. If something makes your nausea worse, stop using it. And don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about prescription anti-nausea medications if morning sickness is severely impacting your ability to function.
Hang in there, mama! This too shall pass. And just think of those sweet baby kicks as your reward for surviving the morning sickness struggle.
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