How Best to Cope with Morning Sickness

Dealing with morning sickness can mean anything from minor nausea at the beginning of your pregnancy to all-out illness that impacts your ability to eat, run errands, work, and hang out with your friends and family. You may feel sick during the first trimester or all throughout your pregnancy, and what’s worse is, you may feel sick the entire day, not just the morning.

If you or a loved one is dealing with morning sickness, you are not alone. It’s a common condition, and this post offers some great advice on how you can deal with it or how you can help a loved one cope now and pamper them after their baby is born by setting them up with a postpartum care package that encourages them to relax and recover.

What Is Morning Sickness?

Morning sickness is a common condition experienced by many pregnant women. It typically occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy, although it can persist throughout the entire pregnancy for some women.

Morning sickness is characterized by feelings of nausea, and in some cases, vomiting. The exact cause of morning sickness is not fully understood, but hormonal changes and even the fluctuation of your blood pressure are believed to play a role.

Despite its name, morning sickness can occur at any time of the day. While some may experience nausea and vomiting primarily in the morning, others may experience it throughout the day or have episodes that are more pronounced in the afternoon or evening. The term "morning sickness" is a historical name that has stuck, but it does not accurately reflect the timing of the symptoms for everyone.

The severity of morning sickness can vary from person to person. While for some, it may be a temporary inconvenience, for others, it can be more persistent and disruptive.

Although morning sickness is generally considered a normal part of pregnancy and is not usually harmful to the baby, severe and prolonged vomiting, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, can lead to dehydration and weight loss, requiring medical attention.

Regardless of when you experience it or whether it’s mild or severe, morning sickness can interrupt your daily routine, affect your mood, and have you missing out on other experiences. In fact, watching someone cope with morning sickness highlights their need for special care before and after the baby is born.

When you discover a friend or loved one is pregnant, you can be a huge support system by being there for them throughout bouts of morning sickness. And while you help them prepare for the baby’s arrival, you can help prepare for their recovery by giving them a postpartum care package for after the baby is born.

Tips for Treating Morning Sickness

Morning sickness can be challenging to deal with, but you can try several strategies that may help alleviate the symptoms. Of course, a lot of well-meaning people will give you a lot of advice as soon as they find out you’re pregnant. But because every individual is different, just remember that what works for one person may not work for another.

So to help you wade through the advice, we’ve compiled the best tips for you to try in the following list:

• Consult with your healthcare provider for guidance and support. The first step when you begin experiencing morning sickness is to talk to the medical professional aiding you through your pregnancy. They can provide personalized advice and recommend suitable treatments or interventions to help manage your symptoms, especially if they are severe. Additionally, if home remedies and lifestyle changes don't provide sufficient relief, talk to your healthcare provider about safe and effective anti-nausea medications for use during pregnancy. They can prescribe suitable options based on your individual circumstances.
• Eat small, frequent meals. Instead of consuming large meals, try eating smaller portions throughout the day to prevent an empty stomach, which can trigger nausea. Snack on light, easily digestible foods like crackers or dry toast.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, as dehydration can worsen nausea. Sip on water or ginger ale, or consume ice chips throughout the day. Some women find that cold or carbonated beverages are easier to tolerate.
• Avoid triggers. Identify and avoid any specific triggers that may worsen your morning sickness symptoms. Certain smells, foods, or even strong odors can contribute to nausea.
• Incorporate ginger. Ginger is known for its anti-nausea properties and can help alleviate morning sickness. You can try ginger ale, ginger tea, or ginger candies. However, consult your doctor before taking any supplements or herbal remedies.
• Rest and relax. We know it’s hard to not shop for the baby, plan out the nursery, and try to get every detail into place, but fatigue and stress can make your morning sickness symptoms worsen. Ensure you're getting adequate rest and practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or prenatal yoga. Find activities that help you unwind and reduce stress.

Remember, morning sickness tends to subside as pregnancy progresses. If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or interfere with your daily life, consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

How Do I Care for Someone with Morning Sickness?

Supporting a friend or loved one through morning sickness can make a significant difference in their comfort and well-being during pregnancy. Here are some ways you can help your partner, friend, or family member cope with morning sickness:

• Be empathetic and understanding. Recognize that morning sickness is a common and often uncomfortable part of pregnancy. Show empathy and understanding towards your partner's experience, acknowledging that their symptoms are real and can vary in intensity.
• Educate yourself. Learn about morning sickness, its causes, and strategies to manage it. This will help you better understand what your partner is going through and enable you to offer informed support.
• Offer emotional support. Listen to their concerns, frustrations, and fears without judgment. Offer reassurance and remind them that morning sickness is usually temporary and a normal part of pregnancy.
• Help with errands and household chores. Taking on some of their daily responsibilities can alleviate stress and physical strain. Prepare meals or help with grocery shopping, cleaning, and other tasks that may trigger their symptoms or tire them out.
• Provide comfort measures. Keep supplies of ginger candies, crackers, or other snacks they find helpful nearby. Offer them a cold compress or a warm, soothing bath if it helps alleviate their symptoms.
• Encourage them to practice self-care. Do what you can to give them space and opportunity for self-care activities, such as taking naps, engaging in relaxation techniques, or pursuing activities they find enjoyable.

Pregnancy is different for each person, but what everyone needs is support. They need support while they’re pregnant as well as after the baby is born. Encourage the self-care they need to relax and recover properly by setting them up with one of a variety of postpartum care packages by Relax & Recover. Every new mum has needs, and these recovery packs give them everything they need to properly recover and be the best mom they can be.