Got Morning Sickness? 9 Solutions That Really Work

Early on in your first trimester, you discovered that the reproductive hormone changes that support normal fetal development and a healthy pregnancy can have a downside: irritating side effects like fatigue, frequent urination, and swollen, tender breasts. 

Another common complaint of early pregnancy? Morning sickness.

If you’ve been sidelined by frequent or unpredictable bouts of nausea and vomiting, our board-certified obstetrics team at North Atlanta Ob/Gyn can help. Here, we explore the ins and outs of morning sickness — including nine solutions that can deliver effective relief.   

A common side effect of pregnancy

More than two in three pregnant women (70%) experience morning sickness, or repeated bouts of nausea (stomach upset), vomiting, and loss of appetite. Heartburn (acid reflux), motion sickness, and hunger pangs are also common.  

This early pregnancy side effect is thought to stem from a combination of physical and chemical changes that occur in the first trimester, including:

• Pregnancy hormones (estrogen and hCG)
• Abnormal blood pressure fluctuations 
• Changes in metabolism, low blood sugar 

Morning sickness typically emerges before the ninth week of pregnancy (sometimes as early as week six), tends to peak by week 10, and usually improves or goes away by week 13 or the start of the second trimester.  

Morning sickness solutions that work

Despite its name, morning sickness can occur at any time, day or night. In the average mild to moderate case, it triggers feelings of nausea for a short time, often (but not always) with vomiting once or twice a day. 

Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to feel better. Many women find that the following strategies work well to help prevent and/or ease bouts of morning sickness:

1. Settle your stomach 

Eating a piece of plain, dry toast or a few crackers first thing in the morning can settle your stomach and help stave off a wave of hunger-driven nausea early in the day. 

2. Time your vitamin 

Take your prenatal vitamin with a nutritious, protein-rich snack, like plain yogurt, a handful of almonds, or peanut butter and apple slices. If your vitamin contains iron, which may trigger nausea, try taking it at bedtime, or ask our team for other options. 

3. Eat smaller meals

Morning sickness can be worse when you’re hungry and after a large meal. To avoid both problems, break your three daily meals into five or six smaller, timed meals more closely together.  

4. Stay well hydrated 

Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day can help prevent nausea and ease it when it occurs. Water is the best choice; try adding orange or lemon slices for a bit of flavor. And while ginger tea and ginger ale can help with nausea, avoid caffeine, which can worsen morning sickness.  

5. Avoid your triggers 

Fatty, spicy, and strong-smelling foods are common morning sickness triggers, as are heat and fatigue. By identifying your triggers, you take steps to avoid them — changing your diet as needed, resting when you’re tired, and finding ways to stay cool in warm environments.   

6. Follow the BRAT diet

Eating bland foods can stave off nausea and soothe it when it appears. The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is low in fat and fiber and easy to digest, making it a good option for managing morning sickness. Other bland food options include broth, plain eggs, a plain baked potato, and gelatin.  

7. Get some fresh air

Stale, motionless air can trigger morning sickness or make an episode of nausea worse. Open windows, circulate indoor air with fans, or better yet, head outside for some fresh air. 

8. Try light exercise

When you head outdoors for fresh air, try taking a walk if you feel up to it. Light activity can aid digestion and ease nausea, especially after eating. If you do feel like resting, avoid lying down after mealtime.   

9. Consult your OB

If morning sickness persists or interferes with your day, our team may recommend taking vitamin B6 or an over-the-counter medicine like Emetrol® to calm your upset stomach and ease nausea. We may also prescribe an antiemetic medication to prevent nausea. 

Effective relief for morning sickness 

If your morning sickness lasts for hours, leaves you dehydrated, or causes you to vomit more than three times a day, come see us ASAP. Severe morning sickness, a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum, requires prompt medical attention. 

Some women experience lingering morning sickness well into or throughout the second trimester of pregnancy, and in rare cases, through the third trimester. Effective relief is possible no matter when yours starts or how long it lasts — and we’re here to help. 

Call or click online to schedule a visit at your nearest North Atlanta Ob/Gyn location today. We have three offices: One in Sandy Springs, Northside, Atlanta, one in Avalon, Alpharetta, and one in East Cobb, Marietta, Georgia.