Soothing Pregnancy Nausea and Vomiting with Natural Remedies

Natural Home Remedies to Soothe Nausea During Pregnancy

Nausea and vomiting affects up to 90% of expectant mothers, especially during the first trimester. While typically temporary, pregnancy sickness can significantly impact quality of life and nutrition. Before rushing to anti-nausea medication, consider gentler homeopathic remedies to ease stomach distress.

Understanding Causes of Pregnancy Nausea

Why does nausea frequently strike during early pregnancy? The most common cause is rapidly shifting hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Rising estrogen and progesterone relaxes digestion, slows emptying, and sensitizes odor perception—all nausea triggers.

Physical and emotional stress, exhaustion, hunger, prenatal vitamins, sense triggers like smell, and prior personal or family history with morning sickness also play a role for some women.

Fortunately, symptoms peak by week 14 then mostly resolve by weeks 16 to 18 as the body adjusts. But in the thick of it, what home remedies bring relief safely and effectively?

Lifestyle Adjustments to Minimize Nausea

Begin with small lifestyle tweaks. Open windows regularly for fresh breezes, avoid hot or stuffy rooms, and limit exposure to cooking or other odor triggers. Eat smaller, frequent meals slowly rather than large volumes quickly.

Stay hydrated by reliably sipping water, ginger ale, mint or chamomile tea between meals. Keep handy light snacks like nuts, crackers or fruits in case nausea strikes. Get adequate rest via naps or early bedtimes.

Finally, incorporate light exercise like walking 20 minutes daily to aid digestion. But first explore homeopathic remedies uniquely soothing for pregnancy-related upset stomach.

Ginger’s Powerful Anti-Nausea Effects

Ginger proves one of the most historically effective natural remedies for any stomach distress. Multiple studies confirm its protected use and significant relief impact for pregnancy nausea.

Ginger eases multiple causes of gastric unrest simultaneously. Natural plant compounds called gingerols and shogaols reduce inflammation, stimulate digestion, block serotonin contributing to vomiting and motion sickness, and combat unsettled stomach from aroma triggers.

Pregnant women can obtain benefits via supplements, extracts, essential oils, hard candies, or teas incorporating ginger. Most tolerate it well but avoid ginger if you have clotting disorders or are already taking blood thinners.

Sipping Soothing Mint and Lemon Balm Tea

Herbal teas utilizing mint, lemon balm or a combination targeted to upset stomach deliver antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory relief from nausea episodes.

The potent minty aroma and flavor alone trigger positive neurotransmitters in the gut and brain to reduce chances of vomiting. Meanwhile lemon balm further eases abdominal cramping, stimulates bile production aiding digestion, and contains antioxidants combating nausea-provoking inflammation.

Brew fresh or dried leaves into hot tea, steep at least 10 minutes, then slowly drink a cup anytime symptoms arise. You can also put drops of pure lemon balm essential oil in water as an aromatic digestif.

Sniffing Soothing Essential Oil Blends

Inhaling certain essential oils also curbs pregnancy sickness through direct impact on the limbic system controlling digestion and stress response.

Oils like peppermint, lemon, lavender, ginger and spearmint reduce inflammation, relax tightened muscles and calm the nervous system. Just avoid stronger oils like clove, rosemary or sage that may overstimulate nausea until after the first trimester.

Inhale oils directly from the bottle, diffuse into air, or mix with a carrier oil and massage into wrists, temples and bottom of feet. But first dilute appropriately and confirm any oils with your doctor.

Chamomile and Peppermint to Settle the Stomach

For acute relief when nauseated, chamomile shines. Studies demonstrate it functions as effectively as common anti-emetic drugs to minimize vomiting episodes and sensations of gastric unrest.

The herb contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoids easing irritated digestive tissue and relaxing stomach and esophagus. For best results, steep strongly concentrated tea combining both chamomile and peppermint.

This pairing delivers a one-two punch settling the stomach both by soothing muscle contractions and reducing inflammation simultaneously. Drink the mix slowly as needed for symptomatic relief.

Strategies to Prevent Pregnancy Nausea Before It Starts

While certain home remedies like ginger and mint teas help overcome nausea once it strikes, prevention proves even better to maintain nutrition and energy levels.

Begin practicing the following recommendations upon pregnancy confirmation or as early as when trying to conceive. Addressing symptoms before they intensify prevents declination into more severe hyperemesis gravidarum.

Focus on Adequate Protein Intake

Many women lack sufficient protein when pregnancy sickness limits diet or causes weight loss from vomiting. But ample protein stabilizes blood sugar, preventing energy crashes and hunger that worsen nausea long term.

Emphasize eggs, nuts, seeds, beans/legumes, dairy and even collagen protein. Spread intake consistently over 5-6 small meals. Hard boil eggs to carry when nauseated or add nut butter and protein powder to smoothies for quick protein.

Stay Hydrated the Right Way

Dehydration from fluid losses during morning sickness or avoiding water worsens symptoms. But plain water input on an empty stomach can also trigger nausea for some women.

Help fluids stay down by adding lemon, mint or ginger tea between meals instead of just water. Or freeze electrolyte pops blending coconut water, fruit juice and lemon for hydration supporting digestion and energy too.

Take Strategic Supplements

Certain key supplements before and during pregnancy guard against nutrient depletion when eating remains inconsistent. A quality whole food prenatal vitamin/mineral formula covers basics, but also consider:

• Probiotics aiding gut integrity
• Omega-3’s reducing inflammation
• Vitamin B6 easing nausea directly
• Digestive enzymes strengthening digestion

Discuss specific types with your doctor, but this combination keeps the body primed for nausea resistance.

Use Acupressure for Ongoing Prevention

Gentle wrist acupressure activates key meridian points controlling nausea symptoms. By regularly massaging the Pericardium 6 (P6) point on inner wrist, you prevent the escalation of mildqueasiness into vomiting episodes.

Find P6 two finger widths below wrist crease between tendons. Use moderate pressure massaging in a circular motion for 5 minutes daily on each wrist. It also helps relieve active symptoms so use whenever feeling unwell or before known triggers like taking vitamins.

When to Seek Additional Pregnancy Nausea and Vomiting Support

While home remedies and lifestyle measures safely manage milder pregnancy sickness for many women, don’t hesitate seeking medical support if:

• Unable to keep down any fluids/food for 24 hours
• Dehydrated with dark urine, dry mouth or dizzy upon standing
• Weight loss exceeds 5% of pre-pregnancy weight
• Vomiting more than 3 times daily
• Symptoms prevent basic functioning

If struggling with moderate-severe nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) or losing weight/dehydrated, consult your OB-GYN or midwife. They can provide IV fluids or prescribe additional medication like Zofran to get symptoms under control.

Though inconvenient, pregnancy nausea and stomach woes generally pose no major long term harm for mother or baby. Prioritize self-care rest and gently nourishing foods that appeal in the moment. With home remedies and professional support as needed, this too shall pass!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.