Vomiting and Nausea During Pregnancy: 28 Home Remedies

Nausea and vomiting, often referred to as morning sickness, are common symptoms experienced by many pregnant women, especially during the first trimester. While these symptoms are usually not harmful, they can be incredibly uncomfortable and disruptive. Fortunately, there are various natural remedies that can help alleviate nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Here are 28 home remedies to help you manage morning sickness and feel more comfortable throughout your pregnancy.

1. Ginger

Ginger is one of the most well-known natural remedies for nausea. It can be consumed in various forms, including ginger tea, ginger ale, ginger candies, or even fresh ginger slices. Ginger has been shown to help reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnant women due to its anti-inflammatory and stomach-soothing properties.

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How to Use:

• Sip on ginger tea or ginger ale.
• Chew on ginger candies or fresh ginger slices.
• Add grated ginger to your meals.

2. Peppermint

Peppermint has a calming effect on the stomach and can help alleviate nausea. Peppermint tea or peppermint essential oil can be effective in reducing morning sickness.

How to Use:

• Drink peppermint tea.
• Inhale peppermint essential oil directly or through a diffuser.
• Suck on peppermint candies.

3. Lemon

The refreshing scent of lemon can help ease nausea. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, which can boost your immune system during pregnancy.

How to Use:

• Squeeze fresh lemon juice into water and sip slowly.
• Inhale the scent of a freshly cut lemon.
• Add lemon slices to your water bottle.

4. Small, Frequent Meals

Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day can help prevent your stomach from becoming too empty, which can worsen nausea. Opt for bland, easy-to-digest foods like crackers, toast, or bananas.

How to Use:

• Eat a small meal or snack every 2-3 hours.
• Keep a stash of crackers or nuts by your bedside to eat before getting up.

5. Cold Foods

Cold foods are often easier to tolerate than hot foods, which can have strong smells that trigger nausea.

How to Use:

• Snack on cold fruits like watermelon, grapes, or apples.
• Try cold soups, yogurt, or smoothies.

6. Acupressure

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to relieve symptoms like nausea.

How to Use:

• Apply pressure to the P6 point, located on the inner wrist, about three finger-widths down from the base of your palm.
• Use acupressure wristbands designed to help with motion sickness.

7. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can worsen nausea, so it’s important to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

How to Use:

• Sip on water, herbal teas, or electrolyte-rich drinks like coconut water.
• If plain water is unappealing, try adding a splash of juice or a slice of lemon.

8. Eat Protein-Rich Snacks

Protein can help stabilize blood sugar levels, which may reduce nausea. Incorporate protein-rich snacks into your diet.

How to Use:

• Snack on nuts, cheese, or yogurt.
• Add protein to your meals with eggs, lean meats, or legumes.

9. Avoid Strong Smells

Strong odors can trigger nausea, so try to avoid environments with overpowering smells, such as cooking fumes or perfumes.

How to Use:

• Ventilate your home by opening windows.
• Use unscented or lightly scented products.

10. Rest and Relaxation

Stress and fatigue can exacerbate nausea, so it’s important to get plenty of rest and practice relaxation techniques.

How to Use:

• Take naps or rest when you feel tired.
• Practice deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga.

11. Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is often recommended by healthcare providers to help reduce nausea during pregnancy.

How to Use:

• Talk to your doctor about taking a vitamin B6 supplement.
• Include foods rich in vitamin B6, such as bananas, avocados, and fortified cereals, in your diet.

12. Avoid Spicy and Fatty Foods

Spicy and fatty foods can be harder to digest and may worsen nausea. Stick to bland, low-fat foods.

How to Use:

• Choose plain, boiled, or baked foods instead of fried or spicy dishes.
• Opt for gentle flavors like chicken broth or mashed potatoes.

13. Stay Upright After Eating

Lying down immediately after eating can increase the likelihood of nausea. Instead, try to stay upright for at least an hour after meals.

How to Use:

• Sit or stand for a while after meals.
• Avoid reclining or lying down right after eating.

14. Carbonated Drinks

Sipping on carbonated drinks, such as sparkling water or soda, can help settle your stomach.

How to Use:

• Drink a small glass of sparkling water or soda when you feel nauseous.
• Avoid drinks with caffeine or artificial sweeteners.

15. Fresh Air

Getting some fresh air can help reduce feelings of nausea, especially if you’re feeling queasy indoors.

How to Use:

• Take a short walk outside.
• Sit near an open window or fan.

16. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea has a calming effect and can help soothe an upset stomach.

How to Use:

• Sip on warm chamomile tea throughout the day.
• Add a teaspoon of honey for extra flavor.

17. Avoid an Empty Stomach

An empty stomach can exacerbate nausea, so try to eat something small as soon as you feel hungry.

How to Use:

• Keep snacks like crackers, nuts, or fruit on hand to eat between meals.
• Eat a small snack before bed to prevent morning nausea.

18. Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been used traditionally to calm the stomach and reduce nausea.

How to Use:

• Add a small amount of cinnamon to your oatmeal or toast.
• Drink cinnamon tea made by steeping a cinnamon stick in hot water.

19. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is believed to help balance stomach acid and reduce nausea.

How to Use:

• Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and drink it slowly.
• Use apple cider vinegar as a salad dressing.

20. Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds have a mild, licorice-like flavor and can help reduce nausea and improve digestion.

How to Use:

• Chew on a few fennel seeds after meals.
• Brew fennel tea by steeping a teaspoon of fennel seeds in hot water.

21. Cloves

Cloves have a soothing effect on the stomach and can help alleviate nausea.

How to Use:

• Chew on a clove or two after meals.
• Add ground cloves to your tea or hot water.

22. Plain Crackers

Plain crackers are often recommended as a simple, easy-to-digest snack that can help settle the stomach.

How to Use:

• Eat a few plain crackers before getting out of bed in the morning.
• Keep crackers nearby to snack on throughout the day.

23. Bananas

Bananas are gentle on the stomach and can help replenish lost nutrients if you’ve been vomiting.

How to Use:

• Eat a ripe banana as a snack.
• Add sliced bananas to your cereal or yogurt.

24. Avoid Triggers

Identify and avoid specific triggers that worsen your nausea, such as certain foods, smells, or environments.

How to Use:

• Keep a journal to track potential triggers.
• Make adjustments to your diet or environment as needed.

25. Stay Cool

Overheating can worsen nausea, so try to stay cool, especially during hot weather.

How to Use:

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• Use a fan or air conditioner to keep your environment cool.

26. Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera juice is known for its soothing properties and can help reduce nausea.

How to Use:

• Drink a small amount of aloe vera juice mixed with water.
• Ensure the aloe vera juice is safe for internal use and free from additives.

27. Anise Seeds

Anise seeds have a mild licorice flavor and can help calm an upset stomach.

How to Use:

• Chew on a few anise seeds after meals.
• Brew anise tea by steeping a teaspoon of anise seeds in hot water.

28. Mindful Eating

Eating slowly and mindfully can help prevent overeating, which can lead to nausea.

How to Use:

• Take small bites and chew thoroughly.
• Focus on your meal without distractions like TV or smartphones.

Keep in Mind

Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, while common, can be managed with these natural remedies. However, if your symptoms are severe or persistent, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider. In some cases, medication may be necessary to control symptoms and ensure both your health and that of your baby. Additionally, staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet are crucial during pregnancy, so make sure to listen to your body and seek medical advice if needed. These home remedies are meant to provide relief and improve your comfort, helping you enjoy a healthier and happier pregnancy.