Midwife Moment Queasy in the Morning, Queasy in the Evening, Queasy All through the Day! By: Jalana Lazar, RN, CNM, WHNP We don’t know for sure what causes nausea during pregnancy. And we don’t know why some women feel queasy for the better part of nine months, while others never experience an upset. Some women may experience nausea during one pregnancy and feel fine the next time around. If you are pregnant – and queasy – here are some remedies that might bring some relief: 1. Adjust your pre-natal vitamins. During the beginning of pregnancy, some women can’t handle the high amount iron in most pre-natal supplements. Try switching to two children's chewable vitamins until the worst of the nausea is over. Take a separate folic acid supplement to make you get enough of that very important vitamin. It also may help to take your vitamins later in the day and with a meal or snack like toast or saltine crackers, instead of on an empty stomach, despite what the vitamin label may say. 2. Manage your blood sugar level. Nausea during pregnancy can be worse if your blood sugar drops too low. Most women experiencing nausea or vomiting are not able to eat a large meal; try to eat smaller meals every couple of hours throughout the day. 3. Try ginger, raspberry leaf, peppermint or spearmint. Consuming small amounts of ginger in ginger ale, ginger tea, ginger cookies or ginger candies may help relieve nausea. You can also make a soothing tea with raspberry leaf, peppermint or spearmint. Sip small amounts at frequent intervals. 4. Use acupressure. Applying pressure to certain points on the inside of the wrists has been shown to relieve nausea. You can do this with your fingertips or purchase a special band to wear on your wrist throughout the day. 5. Avoid certain foods. Avoid foods that are high in fat, such as fast food hamburgers or French fries. Citrus fruits and juices, milk, and coffee can also cause nausea and vomiting. Some pregnant women react badly to spicy foods. Keep a food journal to see which foods tend to be your nausea triggers. 6. Choose healthy foods. Eat a diet high in protein and complex carbohydrates. Cottage cheese, yogurt, peanut butter and milk are good sources of protein. Eat a high protein snack before bed. Bland foods such as dry toast, saltine crackers and Jell-O can help relieve nausea and vomiting. Fluids, especially water, are important, too, but should not be taken with meals. Avoid soda. 7. Sleep smart. Get enough sleep at night and take naps during the day (but not right after eating). Fatigue plays a big part in nausea during pregnancy. Get out of bed slowly in the morning. Keep whole-grain crackers by your bed so you can eat a few as soon as you wake up before you start moving around. 8. Control the aromas around you. Open windows or turn on exhaust fans when cooking and after meals. Cooking in the microwave usually produces fewer odors. Carry a handkerchief with a few drops of an essential oil (lemon, for example) on it. Breathe through handkerchief if you can’t get away from the smell that is bothering you. If you just can't keep anything (including fluids) down for 24 hours - or sooner if you are urinating infrequently or if your urine is dark and strong smelling - call your health care provider. Contact your provider if you vomit blood, have a fever or abdominal pain, or if you feel extremely weak or faint. If you're newly pregnant and don't yet have a doctor or midwife, go to the emergency room. About 1% of pregnant women suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum, which means "excessive vomiting in pregnancy." If you have this condition, you may need intravenous fluids immediately to prevent or treat dehydration. Some women continue intravenous therapy on and off throughout their pregnancy either in the hospital or at home. If not treated properly, hyperemesis gravidarum can cause chronic dehydration and other serious complications for you and your baby. By: Jalana Lazar, RN, CNM, WHNP, with Lifestages-Samaritan Centers For Women