For many families, pregnancy is a beautiful experience and the start of something new. However, morning sickness can leave you feeling exhausted, irritable and generally ill. And since it can strike at any time during the first trimester, it can add unneeded stress to your life. Fortunately, there are several effective at-home morning sickness remedies you can try to improve your symptoms.
According to Mayo Clinic, morning sickness most often occurs within 9 weeks of conception and continues throughout the first trimester of pregnancy. Despite the name, it can happen at any time, not just in the morning. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting, both of which start to diminish sometime during the second trimester.
Hormonal changes are thought to be the main cause of morning sickness, but other triggers include:
While nausea and vomiting are normal symptoms of morning sickness, it’s advised to consult a doctor if you experience any of the following:
It’s important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet, especially while pregnant. With that in mind, certain foods can help reduce or prevent the symptoms of morning sickness, such as:
After eating, try to stay upright for a while. This aids in digestion and can help prevent queasiness.
Drinking too much water could add to your nausea, but so can being dehydrated. Try to drink enough to stay hydrated without filling full. Beverages that could help include:
There are several over-the-counter remedies and supplements that can help ease the symptoms of morning sickness, especially nausea. These include:
There are also prescription anti-nausea medications, such as Zofran, which can help if symptoms persist. Either way, consult a doctor before adding vitamins or supplements to your diet, especially if you’re experiencing other complications with pregnancy.
Overpowering smells can contribute to nausea, but certain scents can actually combat it. This includes:
Avoid any scents that do not appeal to you or that make you feel queasy.
An acupressure or motion-sickness wristband can reduce the feeling of nausea and help prevent vomiting. These bands work by applying a small amount of pressure to the P6 pressure point, the nei guan point, on your wrist. Alternatively, consider acupuncture by a trained professional. This remedy is temporary, but it could improve your symptoms.
Preggie Anti-Nausea Wristbands
This set of four acupressure wristbands is clinically-tested to provide relief from nausea without the use of drugs. The bands are reusable, comfortable and have a snug fit that applies the right amount of pressure to provide temporary relief.
Sold by Amazon
EmeTerm Relieve Nausea Electrode Stimulator Wristband
This rechargeable wristband uses electrical stimulation to help prevent nausea and vomiting caused by anything from morning sickness to car rides. It has five levels of intensity and is easy to adjust based on your symptoms. It's also water-resistant and durable, making it ideal for daily use.
Sold by Amazon
UpNature Peppermint Essential Oil Roll On
This roll-on stick of diluted peppermint essential oil can help soothe nausea, a must for those experiencing morning sickness. It's easy to use and effective when applied to key areas, such as the back of the neck or behind the ears. Even the aroma can help ease symptoms.
Sold by Amazon
MegaFood Honey Lemon Ginger Morning Sickness Nausea Relief
These 30 individually-wrapped soft chews contain ginger and vitamin B6 to help ease nausea. They're gentle on upset stomachs, vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free. They also have a pleasant honey, lemon and ginger flavor.
Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Ginger Gum For Motion And Morning Sickness
This 24-pack of ginger gum can alleviate nausea caused by morning sickness and motion sickness. It's a natural herbal remedy that doesn't cause side effects, making it safe for the expectant mother and baby. It also starts working immediately.
Sold by Amazon
The tablets each contain 25 milligrams of vitamin B6 and can be taken once daily with a meal to help combat nausea and aid in digestive processes. They are free from gluten, dairy and wheat.
Lavender Essential Oil Personal Aromatherapy Nasal Inhaler
This portable stick uses pure, organic lavender essential oil to soothe nausea and morning sickness. It's gentle and safe to inhale for most people and can start working immediately for temporary relief.
Sold by Amazon
Amazon Basic Care Doxylamine Succinate Tablets
These 25-milligram doxylamine sleep aid tablets can help ease nausea and aid in falling into a restful sleep. They are safe and effective and can be used in conjunction with vitamin B6.
Sold by Amazon
FGO Organic Chamomile Tea Bags
A cup of organic chamomile tea can help alleviate the common symptoms of morning sickness and aid in digestion. It can also help improve the quality of sleep.
Sold by Amazon
Traditional Medicinals Organic Morning Ease Anti-Nausea Lozenges
These lemon ginger lozenges are made to help soothe morning sickness. They contain organic, non-GMO certified ingredients and are gentle on upset stomachs.
Sold by Amazon
Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Angela Watson writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.