Nausea and vomiting in Pregnancy
Patient Advice to treat nausea & vomiting in pregnancy
Fluid intake
It is important to avoid dehydration in pregnacy – dry lips, thirst, reduced urinary output are signs that fluid intake is inadequate or traces of ketones on urine sticks.
If difficult to drink large amounts of water, drinking regular small amounts is recommended.
Potato soup daily – good as is very bland
Veg or chicken broths also good
Peppermint/ginger tea – not more than 3 cups per day
If belching relieves nausea, take carbonated drinks, especially ginger are good
Sucking on ice cubes or watery fruits such as melons or pears
Snacks
Small regular snacks to keep blood sugar levels stable, this may mean eating every 2 hrs
Snack on fruit/nuts
Avoid sugary foods as to avoid slump in blood sugar levels
Slow release carbs are good such as fruit, baked potato, pasta & rice.
Every person is different in relation to foods so try to see what works best for you.
Liquids
Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, fill cup with boiling water & add honey to taste.
Ginger ale/ginger tea – grate a thumbnail size of ginger, steep in boiling water for 10 mins & add honey to taste (do not exceed 3 cups per day)
Chamomile tea
Mineral water with lemon juice.
Foods
Almonds
Baby rice
Crackers
Dried fruit – especially apricots & raisons
Egg sandwiches
Grapefruit
Yeast extract
Miso
Noodles
Pasta
Peaches/pears
Peppermints
Potatos (in any form)
Commercial baby food
White bread
Yogurt
As a general rule, eat from these lists unless these foods disagree with you. Consider the foods you would give to an 8 month old baby as these easy to digest so gentle on the digestive system.
E.g. baked vegetables, cooked and raw fruits, well-cooked grains & soups.
Rest
If possible & you need to rest, rest!
Smells
Due to heightened sensitivity.
Burn peppermints oil in bedroom/vanilla essence in the kitchen
Natural smells such as lemon can be useful in the kitchen or even if this means carrying a lemon with you!
Antiemetics – combined with Acupuncture
Take in between treatments as soon as nausea returns, see doctor before use.
Information from this piece has been taken from: Acupuncture in Pregnancy & Childbirth – Debra Betts
