Some pregnant women out there experience little or no morning sickness at all while others can suffer from it during all hours of the day and sometimes well into their second trimester. No matter the severity you suffer from, morning sickness can be minimized or in some cases avoided entirely with the right techniques.

The Foods You Choose

When experiencing sickness that involves nausea and vomiting, monitoring what you eat or drink is going to be your main concern. The type of food you eat, the amounts you eat, and the time of day you have your meals will all affect how you feel later on.

Sticking to fresh, healthy foods as opposed to greasy, oily, spicy, or sugary snacks can be easier on your stomach. If eating anything too rich makes you queasy, stick to bland foods and fight those cravings. Eating smaller meals more frequently rather than just a few heavy meals a day will be easier for your body to digest and can prevent you from feeling suddenly ill. Try to avoid feeling too full or too hungry at any one time.

If you’re nauseous first thing in the morning, try keeping some crackers and water by your bed and eating a few before you start your day. Get up slowly and avoid rushing or jumping out of bed all of the sudden. Settling your stomach before moving around too much will go a long way in preventing a quick dash to the washroom.

Rest and Vitamins

Staying well hydrated, getting a good night sleep, and keeping your body stocked up on all the essential vitamins it needs can also prevent those unwanted queasy feelings. The healthier your body is, the better it will respond to the hormonal changes it’s going through. Try to nap or rest when you can and avoid over-exerting yourself if possible. Taking it easy on your changing body will encourage it to go easy on you in return.

Prescription Medication

If your morning sickness is exceptionally severe, prescription medications are available. Natural remedies just may not work for some women, so be sure to see your family doctor if your nausea become unmanageable. If you’re currently on any other medication it’s important to let your doctor know as some morning sickness medications may not mix well with other prescription you could be taking.

The first trimester is usually when morning sickness is at its worst and it should diminish as your pregnancy progresses. It can last longer for some women, but as your hormone levels start to even out, the worst of your nausea should be over. Get plenty of fresh air and try to stay relaxed and stress free and in most cases, morning sickness can be at least somewhat relieved with a few simple lifestyle changes.