If you're pregnant, you may experience symptoms of morning sickness (like nausea and vomiting), especially during your first trimester. In fact, more than 50% of pregnant women deal with morning sickness between 6-12 weeks of pregnancy. Morning sickness can be so frustrating - and it's not limited to the morning! You are already exhausted, and now you have an upset stomach, too. Maybe you don't even have an appetite. Luckily, morning sickness is just your body's response to the increase in some pregnancy hormones (see our notes about severe morning sickness at the end of this post).

To help you get through this phase of pregnancy (most symptoms subside by week 12), here are some practical tips on how to ease your morning sickness:

1. Stay hydrated.

Drinking lots of water is especially important if you experience vomiting. You need to make sure you're putting plenty of fluids back in your body!

2. Eat simple, bland foods throughout the day.

Try snacking on dry crackers (keep some by your bedside table!) or plain cereal to ease your nausea. It is even recommended to eat some plain crackers before getting out of bed if your nausea usually comes first thing in the morning.

3. Eat more frequently.

To make sure your body is getting enough nutrients, try eating smaller meals more frequently.

4. Avoid strong smells.

Many pregnant women are super sensitive to strong smells, so do your best to avoid them, as they could make your nausea worse.

5. Nap!

Don't be afraid to take a nap! Naps can be helpful with letting your symptoms subside. Plus, you need lots of sleep when you're pregnant anyway!

Severe morning sickness/hyperemesis gravidarum

If your morning sickness is super severe, if you continually vomit or can't keep food down, or if your nausea/vomiting continues into your 2nd or 3rd trimesters, you may have hyperemesis gravidarum. It's important to contact your doctor ASAP if this is the case, as they can monitor you.

Don't have a doctor? Schedule an appointment with Birth Choice! We can confirm your pregnancy and connect you with a doctor.

You're not alone.

Morning sickness is such a hard part of pregnancy, but you can get through it! And Birth Choice can help. Call us today at 214-631-2402 or schedule an appointment online.