Morning Sickness & Solutions During Pregnancy | Midwife Tips

Learn more about what is effective for morning sickness & solutions during pregnancy with global traditions and practical tips, how to relief stomach and stop pregnancy nausea.

5 min read

Pregnant woman in white shirt and shorts sitting on bed holding her mouth due to nausea
Pregnant woman in white shirt and shorts sitting on bed holding her mouth due to nausea

Morning Sickness & Solutions:

How to Get Rid of Pregnancy Nausea with Global Traditions

Understanding Morning Sickness

First things first, let’s get straight to the point – what causes this annoying morning sickness?

1. Eating Light and Often:

  • Turkish moms-to-be are often advised to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. It’s like grazing, but make it chic! Think of it as a stylish, pregnant version of a grazing deer. 🦌
    We generally recommend momies try to eat white roasted chickpeas, salty crackers, porridge of rice, toasted bread or regular plain bread, yogurt, kefir, and low-fat cheese -here I have to recommend a delicious option like Ezine cheese, white cheese etc...✨- (high-fat cheeses like cheddar are a big NO NO, ladies).

2. Herbal Teas:

  • Herbal teas, especially mint and ginger tea, are quite popular. Mint tea can help soothe your stomach, while ginger tea is a natural remedy for nausea. Just imagine sipping on some warm, fragrant tea while lounging like a sultan!
    Also mixing a little honey and a teaspoon of ginger and consuming it can be good for your stomach.

  • If you try most of these natural methods and still fail, here is a big reminder. Go to the doctor! After talking to your doctor and getting the examination, if your doctor deems it necessary, you can start taking vitamin B6 supplements.

3. Lemon and Salt:

  • Another Turkish tradition is sucking on a lemon wedge sprinkled with a bit of salt. The tangy and salty combination can help alleviate nausea. Plus, it’s a great way to add a bit of zing to your day!

4. Aromatherapy:

  • Using scents like lemon, lavender, or peppermint can help ease morning sickness. Turkish homes often have these aromatic oils at hand. Just a whiff can transport you to a calm, serene place.

American Remedies and Practices

In the USA, morning sickness solutions often focus on practical and accessible remedies:

1. Crackers at the Bedside:

  • Many American moms-to-be swear by keeping a stash of crackers by their bed to nibble on before getting up. This can help settle the stomach before starting the day.

2. Vitamin B6 Supplements:

  • Healthcare providers in the US frequently recommend vitamin B6 supplements to help reduce nausea. It's a simple yet effective solution.

3. Acupressure Bands:

  • Acupressure bands, worn on the wrists, are popular among American women. These bands apply gentle pressure to specific points believed to help reduce nausea.

European Approaches to Morning Sickness

Europeans often blend traditional and modern practices to manage morning sickness:

1. Ginger in Various Forms:

  • Ginger is widely used across Europe, whether in tea, candies, or biscuits. Its natural anti-nausea properties are well-regarded.

2. Light Exercise:

  • Light exercise, such as walking or prenatal yoga, is encouraged. It helps reduce stress and improve overall well-being, which can alleviate nausea.

3. Homeopathic Remedies:

  • In countries like Germany and France, homeopathic remedies are popular. Remedies like nux vomica and sepia are often used to treat morning sickness.

‘’Do not take any medication/herb without consulting your doctor. This may be harmful to your health and the health of your baby.’’

Asian Methods for Easing Pregnancy Nausea

Asia, with its diverse cultures, offers a variety of effective morning sickness remedies:

1. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):

  • TCM practices, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, are widely used in China. Acupuncture, in particular, is believed to help balance the body’s energies and reduce nausea.

2. Light, Simple Diet:

  • In many Asian countries, pregnant women are advised to eat light, simple foods such as rice, porridge, and steamed vegetables. These are easy on the stomach and help reduce nausea.

3. Hydration with Herbal Drinks:

  • Herbal drinks made from ingredients like ginger, mint, and lemon are commonly consumed. They are not only hydrating but also help in soothing the stomach.

pregnant woman vomits on a toilet in a bathroom
pregnant woman vomits on a toilet in a bathroom

Sum up: How to Get Rid of Pregnancy Nausea

We have talked ab everything, now to sum up everything mentioned above, and write the common ones in a few items.

1. Small, Frequent Meals:

  • Eating small, frequent meals can help keep your stomach settled. Avoid greasy, spicy, or overly rich foods – your stomach will thank you!

2. Stay Hydrated:

  • Sipping on water, ginger tea, or electrolyte drinks can keep you hydrated and help reduce nausea. Avoid sugary drinks and caffeine – they can make nausea worse.

3. Ginger to the Rescue:

  • Ginger is a natural remedy for nausea. Try ginger tea, ginger ale (the real stuff), or ginger candies. If you're not a fan of ginger, peppermint tea can also be soothing.

4. Rest and Relax:

  • Stress and fatigue can worsen morning sickness. Take naps, practice deep breathing, and maybe try some prenatal yoga. Remember, even Wonder Woman needs her beauty sleep. 🌟

5. Talk to Your Healthcare Provider:

  • If your morning sickness is severe, talk to your healthcare provider. They might recommend vitamin B6 supplements or other remedies. Don’t suffer in silence – there's help available!

Morning sickness might be a pain, but it's usually a sign that your pregnancy is progressing normally. Keep these tips in mind, stay patient, and remember – this too will pass. Until next time, slaaayyy and byyeee!!🤩💜

Morning Sickness Solutions from Around the World

Turkish Morning Sickness Traditions

Turkish with its rich cultural heritage, has some unique and interesting ways to tackle morning sickness. Here are a few traditional remedies and practices:

Blame it on the hormones, specifically hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). This little hormone skyrockets in the first trimester and can make you feel like you've got the world's worst hangover, minus the fun night out.

Morning sickness typically hits during the first trimester and can make you feel nauseous at any time of the day. It’s like your body's way of saying, “Hey, there’s a tiny human growing in here!”

Scientific Explanations and Doctors' Insights

Doctors explain that morning sickness is a complex interplay of various factors:

1. Hormonal Changes:

  • The rapid increase in hCG levels is believed to be a primary cause of nausea. This hormone supports the corpus luteum, which in turn produces progesterone to maintain the uterine lining.

  • Progesterone, while crucial for pregnancy, relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract, which can lead to slower digestion and contribute to nausea and vomiting.

2. Sensitivity to Smells:

  • Pregnant women often develop a heightened sense of smell. Doctors suggest that this heightened sensitivity might be a protective mechanism to avoid foods that could be harmful to the baby.

3. Evolutionary Theory:

  • Some scientists propose that morning sickness may have evolved to protect the developing embryo from toxins and harmful substances in food.

4. Psychological Factors:

  • Stress and anxiety can exacerbate nausea. The psychological state of the mother plays a significant role in the severity of morning sickness.

sick woman is laying in bed with a cup of herbal tea and lemonsick woman is laying in bed with a cup of herbal tea and lemon

Hello hellooo, gorgeous mamas-to-be! 🤰 If you're reading this with a queasy stomach and a wish for some relief, you're in the right place. Morning sickness is like that unwanted guest who shows up uninvited and overstays their welcome. But don’t worry, your chitty-chatty midwife is here with some tips to help you feel better. Let's explore the fascinating traditions and remedies for handling morning sickness from around the world. I've compiled some ways to get over your nausea from a few different countries, hoping that if one doesn't work, the other will. I hope you enjoy reading it. Go ahead and jump jump!