If your recent visit to the OB-GYN confirmed that you are pregnant, take time to bask in this exciting news and consider your health needs. Since morning sickness is a common part of the first trimester due to the many hormones working overtime in your body, relieving it should be part of your wellness plan. Below are tips for helping alleviate pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. 

3 Effective Ways to Relieve Morning Sickness

1. Keep Plain Crackers at Your Bedside

Getting out of bed slowly in the morning reduces stomach lurches that can make you nauseous. To help settle your stomach, eat a few plain crackers before you get out of bed. Bland foods do not aggravate the stomach lining or release related acids, two issues spicy and fatty foods cause. You can also sip water or ginger ale with your crackers to keep your stomach calm. Ginger is a known treatment for upset stomachs, while water is easy to digest and replenishes the water used by the growing fetus. 

2. Inhale Peppermint Essential Oil

Smelling peppermint reduces queasiness, whether from morning sickness or anything else. Consider keeping a bottle of the essential oil by your bed, in the bathroom, on your desk, or any other places in your home for instant relief. 

You can also place a few drops of the oil on a tissue and take it with you in the event of nausea during errands or your work commute. 

3. Eat Small Meals Often 

Consuming small, nutrient-rich meals throughout the day keeps you from feeling too full or too hungry, since both contribute to nausea. Protein provides the most relief because it is digested slowly. You can find protein in Greek yogurt, seeds, whole grains, and beans. Lean animal protein sources include chicken and fish. You’ll also want to identify and avoid trigger foods, such as greasy, spicy, and pungent dishes that turn your stomach. Consider making a meal plan with your OB-GYN provider to help you enjoy a healthy pregnancy. 

If you still haven’t decided on a prenatal OB-GYN provider, make an appointment at Chewelah Associated Physicians. This family health care facility in Chewelah, WA, provides a wide range of OB-GYN services, including obstetrics and infant health care. Call (509) 935-8711 today to schedule your appointment or for more information.