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Nausea during pregnancy, often referred to as “morning sickness,” is a common symptom, occurring in up to 90% of pregnancies. In the first trimester, one of the primary culprits of nausea is the rapid increase in pregnancy hormones, particularly human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). hCG is an important early hormone of pregnancy – it’s what’s detected in urine pregnancy tests. Levels of hCG rise rapidly in the first few weeks of pregnancy, often doubling every 48 to 72 hours.
Here are some strategies to try first that can help ease pregnancy nausea.
Dietary Changes:
- Eating too much or too little can make nausea worse, so stick to small, frequent high-protein meals and snacks before or as soon as you feel hungry to line your stomach (I really liked dried chickpea snacks).
- Avoid foods that tend to trigger nausea (for example, very spicy foods or those with strong smells) and consider sticking to foods that are blander.
- Stay well hydrated.
- Stay sitting up after meals and avoid changing positions quickly.
Acupressure: Applying gentle pressure to the P6 or Nei Guan point (located on the inner forearm, three finger-widths down from the wrist crease at the base of the hand) can help reduce nausea. Acupressure wristbands, also known as “sea bands,” are easy to wear and can be used continuously.
Aromatherapy: Peppermint, lemon, and orange as aromatherapy in an essential oil diffuser, inhaler, or a few drops on a cotton ball or tissue can be very calming.
While natural remedies can be very effective, sometimes you may choose to explore pharmacological options. These include:
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) helps in neurotransmitter production, which can help reduce nausea. The typical dose is 10-25 mg three times per day. Vitamin B6 can be found in pill and sucking candy form.
- Doxylamine: Antihistamines can help reduce nausea by blocking histamine receptors. The best studied option is doxylamine (often sold under the brand name Unisom®), and it’s often used in combination with Vitamin B6 for better effect. The typical dose is 12.5 mg one to two times a day, taken with Vitamin B6. This will make you sleepy, so it’s not a great option for everyone.
