During the early stages of pregnancy, it is common to experience nausea, which is often associated with vomiting. 

Nausea can persist for several weeks or even months, and it can be a constant disturbance for some women, while others may not experience it at all. In this article, we discuss some tips for alleviating nausea during pregnancy.

Causes of Nausea in Pregnancy

The exact cause of nausea during pregnancy is still unclear, but hormonal factors are believed to play a role. The sudden increase in estrogen, progesterone, and beta HCG (the chorionic gonadotropin) can trigger nausea and vomiting. 

However, these symptoms do not pose a risk to the mother or baby as long as they are controlled. 

In rare cases, frequent vomiting can lead to hyperemesis gravidarum, which causes dehydration and exhaustion and may require brief hospitalization.

Tips for Relieving Nausea

The intensity and tolerance of nausea vary from woman to woman, so there is no one-size-fits-all remedy. 

However, the following tips may help alleviate nausea during pregnancy:

  • Eat small, frequent meals: Eating small amounts of food may be more tolerable for the stomach than consuming large meals. Opt for salty foods like rice cakes, crackers, or rusks as snacks.
  • Try dry foods in the morning: If nausea is worse in the morning, eating a dry cookie, rusk, or piece of bread may help.
  • Choose fresh, light, and easily digestible foods: For many women, consuming fatty, spicy, and acidic foods, as well as coffee, tea, and fruit juices, can exacerbate nausea.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water regularly, especially if you cannot eat solid foods. Avoid drinking at the same time as snacking.
  • Chew well and long: Chewing food thoroughly can stimulate salivation and aid digestion.
  • Avoid lying down or sitting long after eating: Walking or breathing fresh air can aid digestion.
  • Avoid long car rides and crowded places after eating: Stale air may promote nausea.
  • Try ginger herbal tea: Ginger tea relieves nausea and discomfort.
  • Consider anti-nausea bracelets: Some women find relief from nausea with acupressure-based bracelets.