Some women never experience morning sickness, but 75% of us do. And for a small percentage of those 75%, they are plagued with morning (and afternoon and night) sickness throughout their entire pregnancy (you have my sympathy, ladies!). Just what can we pregnant women do to keep our heads out of the toilet and our food in our bellies?
Eat Small Meals
Forget the IHOP breakfast special. The best thing you can do is break your meals up into 5 or 6 small meals a day, and to snack frequently. This not only keeps the amount of food in your belly low, but also helps you maintain a continual blood sugar level.
Avoid Stinky Foods
Can’t stand the smell of fish? Garlic? How about your entire fridge? What ever the smell is that plagues you, avoid-avoid-avoid! Even if this means not cracking open your fridge for a while.
TIP: Try placing a refrigerator air freshener, like a box of baking soda, in your fridge. This may help you just enough so you can grab what you need out of there to make dinner.
Freshen Up with Peppermint
Peppermint is renowned as a soother and an energizer, two things that an ailing pregnant woman needs. Pick up an essential oil, a lotion, or make some delicious caffeine-free peppermint tea to ease your sickness and perk your spirits.
Become your Very Own Cookie Monster
Having a cookie or two when you need a pick me up will work wonders in bringing up your blood sugar levels. This tends to help alleviate your “OH MY GOSH I’M GOING TO HURL!” tummy woes.
Refill your Ice Tray
Cold ice water, when sipped, will help turn your stomach right back around and set it in its place. When ever you feel an “urge to purge” coming on, take a deep breath and sip (don’t slurp or chug). You will feel relaxed and refreshed.
Every woman is different, so be sure to test and try out different techniques and patterns to help keep those delightful puking sensations at bay.
photo by Ana Labate
