How to cope the morning sickness

Morning sickness and how to cope

Don't let those queasy waves of nausea get you down during pregnancy! Nausea and sickness are the biggest nightmares for around four out of every five pregnant women during their first trimester (weeks 0-12).

Although it's called morning sickness, it's not unusual for this nausea to go on all day or night. No one knows exactly what causes it, though it may have something to do with the developing placenta. The physical changes taking place in your body - including increasing oestrogen levels, enhanced sense of smell, excess stomach acids and fatigue - may also contribute to the nausea. While it's unpleasant, don't worry too much about it. It's not normally a problem and won't affect your baby. The nausea normally wears out after 12-14 weeks, although a few women may continue to suffer morning sickness throughout their pregnancy. If your sickness is severe and you can't hold anything down, tell your midwife or GP.
How to cope with morning sickness

Here are a few things you can do to try and prevent or at least reduce the queasiness. If this is the normal nausea that affects most women during pregnancy, then you're probably already avoiding any foods and smells that may churn your stomach. Here are a few things you can do to try and prevent or at least reduce the queasiness:

Eat little and often: hunger often makes nausea worse. Keep snacks close at hand - many women find eating a biscuit or cracker before they get out of bed makes them feel better first thing in the morning.

Eat ginger: ginger root is a well-known natural remedy for nausea. Try eating ginger biscuits or drinking ginger beer. You can also grate some root ginger into a cup of hot water or add plenty of chopped ginger to your food.

Try acupressure wristbands: these are designed primarily for travel sickness and work by applying pressure to points in your wrist. They are available from pharmacies and lots of pregnant women swear by them.

Tell your doctor if your sickness seems severe and you can't keep any food or drink down, as you may be in danger of becoming dehydrated.

Sniff lemons: the smell of a freshly cut lemon is said to help ease nausea. Add some slices of lemon to your iced tea or sparkling water.

Eat or drink peppermint: peppermint and peppermint tea are also known to help ease queasiness.

Eat a high-carbohydrate diet: make small meals of dry toast, honey, banana, baked potato, muesli, whole grain breakfast cereals, steamed rice or tofu - or foods high in protein. Both can help combat nausea. Yogurt is also a good choice - it's high in B vitamins, which can ease nausea. If your diet has been poor, then it is even more important to start eating delicious, nutritious, well-balanced meals.

Avoid strong smells, fatty foods and rich, spicy, acidic or fried foods: these can also cause heartburn during pregnancy. Some women can't tolerate milk, eggs or meat. You may need to eat what and when you fancy for a while.

Cut down on alcohol: limit your intake to a couple of units a week at the most.

Avoid smoking any tobacco and avoid smoke-filled places

Limit your coffee intake during your first trimester