Natural Remedies for Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is a common ailment for women in their first trimester of pregnancy. In fact, according the American Pregnancy Association more than 50% of women experience nausea and or retching/vomiting, in their first trimester. Although morning sickness can certainly decrease quality of life, it is actually a sign of a healthy pregnancy and a well developing placenta. Women typically experience morning sickness due to an increase of hormones. Sometimes if the morning sickness and vomiting are excessive, a condition called Hyperemesis Gravidarum; it can be dangerous for mom and baby. If mom isn’t able to keep any food or liquids down or the retching becomes painful they should call their OBGYN or Midwife. Most of the time however, morning sickness shouldn’t cause too much concern and there are some remedies available to help alleviate morning sickness.
- Acupuncture is a safe and natural way to help reduce nausea and vomiting related to pregnancy. There is always concern about what effect medication may have on the developing fetus, some anti-emetic medication may not actually be safe. Acupuncture is a drug free approach that takes away the concern of harming the developing fetus. There are also acupressure bands that can be used to help with nausea and vomiting related to pregnancy. A 2007 randomized study found that acupressure was effective in reducing nausea and vomiting in first trimester pregnant women (Jamingorn, et al 2017). These studies were confirmed by a 2013 randomized controlled clinical trial that found acupressure helped alleviate nausea, vomiting, and retching in pregnancy when compared to placebo control (Saberi, et al 2013).
- Vitamin B6 has been shown to significantly improve symptoms of morning sickness. B6 appears to be safe and has not shown any harm to the fetus (Festin, et al 2014). A 2017 triple blinded placebo controlled trial found that vitamin B6 significantly improved nausea, vomiting, and retching compared to placebo control (Sharifzadeh, et al 2017). There have been many studies that have confirmed this. Discuss B6 with your health care provider as an option for managing morning sickness. It should also be noted that not all vitamin B6 supplements are created equally and that quality matters especially when it comes to B vitamins.
- Ginger for morning sickness related to pregnancy is something that has been studied extensively. The research findings on ginger for nausea and vomiting related to pregnancy are mixed but there have been some positive findings! Ginger is also generally regarded as safe but talk to your practitioner before starting supplementation. Ginger may cause side effects like mild GI upset or heart burn. In a 2013 study ginger was found to be significantly effective in reducing symptoms of pregnancy related nausea and vomiting (Haji Seid Javadi, et al 2013). Ginger also showed benefit for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy in a 2013 randomized controlled clinical trial (Saberi, et al 2013). In most of the studies a dose of 500-1000 mg of ginger/day was most effective. Ginger essential oil has been studied less in pregnancy but that may also be helpful along with ginger tea or ginger candies.
- Lifestyle and dietary changes can also be helpful in reducing morning sickness! Eating smaller and more frequent meals may help. Try eating something in the morning like toast or crackers. Avoid greasy, heavy, or spicy foods as this may cause upset, strive for eating mostly bland foods if you are bothered by morning sickness! Avoid smells that may be bothersome. Get plenty of rest. And remember to seek support or advice for morning sickness!
Not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a health care practitioner before starting any supplement.
Resources
Festin M (2014). Nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. BMJ Clinical Evidence. http://clinicalevidence.bmj.com/x/pdf/clinical-evidence/en-gb/systematic-review/1405.pdf. Accessed June 23, 2014.
Haji Seid Javadi E, Salehi F, Mashrabi O. Comparing the effectiveness of vitamin b6 and ginger in treatment of pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting. Obstet Gynecol Int. 2013;2013:927834.
M Jamigorn-V Phupong – Acupressure and vitamin B6 to relieve nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: a randomized study.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1731855
Saberi F, Sadat Z, Abedzadeh-Kalahroudi M, Taebi M. Acupressure and ginger to relieve nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: a randomized study. Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2013;15(9):854-61.
F Saberi-Z Sadat-M Abedzadeh-Kalahroudi-M Taebi – Effect of ginger on relieving nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25414888
F Sharifzadeh-M Kashanian-J Koohpayehzadeh-F Rezaian-N Sheikhansari-N Eshraghi – A comparison between the effects of ginger, pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and placebo for the treatment of the first trimester nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28629250
Vitamin B6 for Morning Sickness
https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/tn9126
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