Pregnancy morning sickness

The first sign for some women that they are pregnant, is when they are leaning over the toilet bowl 5 times a day wondering what is going on inside their body?  Infact, quite a lot is going on as they are growing a little baby.  But the continuous vomiting that some women have to go through is enough to turn even the most broody off motherhood.  Unlike what its name suggests, morning sickness can occur at any time of the day, and begins at about week 6 and usually lasts until about week 14 of pregnancy.  It is estimated that 50% of women complain of this nausea and vomiting.

There are a few tips that may help relieve the suffering…

-    Have dry crackers, oatcakes or wholemeal toast beside your bed to eat first thing in the morning.  Eat them in bed before you hardly move and then give yourself 10 mins or so before you get up.
-    Do not sit up or get out of bed too quickly.  Move slowly.
-    Eat 6 small meals/snacks throughout the day rather than 3 largish meals.
-    Minimise sugar and try to have a little protein with each snack e.g. nuts, seeds, nut butters, cheese, meat.
-    Eat plenty of ginger.  As a tea in the morning grate some fresh ginger with a little squeeze of lemon.  Mix ginger into your sauces with your meals.  Snack on ginger oatcakes (found in some health food stores).  Ginger tinctures and tablets can be found in most good health food stores.
-    Vitamin B6 can relieve morning sickness for some women.  Take it in liquid form if possible as it gets absorbed easier and faster.  Otherwise capsules or tablets will be fine.
-    2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar added to warm water as your first drink in the morning has helped some women.
-    Homeopathy and acupuncture may be helpful for some to relieve morning sickness.

Take comfort in the fact that it will come to an end in the near future and it is all in the name of a good cause!