There are many sensations during pregnancy caused by normal physiologic changes. Although these are completely normal, they feel as if something is wrong and can be unpleasant. These "common discomforts" are the most common source of questions during pregnancy. The pregnant woman needs relief measures and moral support when she is uncomfortable as well as assurance that a particular discomfort is normal and an explanation of the physiological causes. The following article is the first in a series about these common discomforts of pregnancy.

Nausea/Vomiting

   Nausea is a common complaint during early pregnancy. It is often one of the first signs of pregnancy (this and a missed period). About half of all pregnant women experience this discomfort to some extent. It is thought to be caused by hormonal changes. The higher the levels of the hormones, the more discomfort, it is said. Nausea can occur any time of the day.

   It is most common in the first four months of pregnancy with early morning and late evening being the general periods of most discomfort. The symptoms can be distressing, however they seldom lead to disturbed nutritional status as long as you keep eating. It is thought that the relaxation of the smooth muscles of the stomach caused by hormonal changes is the likely culprit of this nauseous state. The exact cause is not well understood. Treatment is largely supportive.

   With that in mind, the following are relief measures and remedies that may help - no promises. Everyone is different and responds accordingly. These were compiled from a variety of sources - articles, books, experienced women. They are offered with the hope that one of them may be your magic elixir.

   The following, as suggested by an unknown but optimistic writer, should be tried by all pregnant women - nauseated or not. "The woman should have a cup of tea and toast with marmalade-jelly or a biscuit before getting up in the morning, and although a thermos flask could be utilized, its seems to be more efficacious if freshly made tea is brought to her, preferably by the husband."

Relief

• Try eating dry cereal, toast, cracker, pretzels, chocolate - before rising.
• Move slowly.
• Get fresh air.
• Avoid strong cooking odors.
• Divide meals - five small rather than three large.
• Avoid greasy, spicy foods.
• Hunger may make nausea worse - keep some food in stomach.
• Eat foods that seem to agree with you.
• Snack before bed to avoid hunger upon rising.
• Have food at your bedside.
• Have others prepare meals.
• Rest, relax.
• Wear motion sickness bands on wrists, alternating daily.
• Try a high protein diet, tuna, eggs, low-fat milk, peanut butter.
• Sit upright after meals.
• Increase vitamin B foods (milk, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, enriched cereals, breads, flours).
• Nausea may be aggravated by prenatal vitamins. If so, discontinue for a weeks, then start again.
• Suck, chew ice chips.
• Eat apple or potato without the peel.
• Apply cold cloth or ice pack to throat.
• Avoid unnecessary emotional and physical strain. Don't take on extra responsibilities.
• Suck on peppermint candy.
• Try potato chips and lemonade.

Remedies

• Ginger capsules
• Vitamin B6 - 20 mg/day. Can try 50 mg three times per day
• Ginger tea (ginger root bottled in water, strain and drink with honey for flavor)
• Peppermint tea
• Anise or fennel seed tea
• Coke syrup
• Fruit cocktail syrup
• Chamomile tea
• Emetrol C - 1-2 TBSP upon rising. Repeat every three hours when nausea threatens
• Accupressure - apply cold or pressure to lower ridge of bone at back of skull where bone curves downward behind ear
• Wild yam root infusion
• Homeopathic remedies - antimonium tartrate, nux vomica 6x, pulstilla, sepia ipecac 30x

   As with any problems associated with pregnancy check with your health care provider first for assistance.

Reprinted with permission from Woman to Woman the newsletter of the Reading Birth & Woman's Center

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