by Stephanie Joynes

Created on: September 05, 2008   Last Updated: September 08, 2008

I spewed, hurled, and vomited my way through the first trimester while working in a very public museum. I know that isn't a lovely way to start an article, but it's true. Anyone dealing with morning sickness understands that you will do anything to make it stop. There are several options when dealing with morning sickness (or rather all-day sickness).

*TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

First, start by making sure you are well rested and take your prenatal vitamins, even if it makes you feel like you are burping up Cheerios. Your baby needs you to take care of yourself first and foremost. That means all of those stressful moments at work and at home need to be avoided if possible. Listen to your body, and when you need a break, take one.

*EAT BLAND FOODS.
When I was pregnant I soon found out that if I ate anything with garlic, I was going to taste it for the next 3 days. So if that spicy enchilada or the garlic-laced pasta makes you feel horrible, go for the bland grilled chicken sandwich instead. Try fruit smoothies, sandwiches (minus the mustard), and keep your spicy foods at bay.

*EAT SOMETHING BEFORE BED
Before you go to bed, make sure something is in your stomach. While you are sleeping, the acids can build up and make for an awful feeling the next morning. You will likely get up in the middle of the night for a bathroom break, and you might want to consider having a midnight snack like a granola bar before going back to bed. If you can consistently keep something in your stomach, you may be able to avoid the worst parts of morning sickness.

*EAT DRY TOAST AND GINGER TEA FOR BREAKFAST
Then start off your day with some dry toast and ginger tea. These natural remedies will allow your body to absorb some of the acids in your stomach that are making you nauseous. Although you may not want to eat anything, make every attempt to get something into your stomach. You certainly don't want to dry heave, and have that food in your stomach may calm the queasy feeling.

*EAT SMALL MEALS
As the day goes on try to eat small meals ever 2-3 hours. In my experience, eating heavier carbohydrates allowed me to get through the day. You will want to keep a healthy diet, but a salad may not sit well in your stomach like a sandwich will. In this case, test foods and keep a food diary as to what has good results and what doesn't. Find what works for you.

*EAT PEPPERMINT OR SPEARMINT CANDY OR DRINK PEPPERMINT TEA
In between those small meals, keep some peppermints readily handy. Mint has been used to calm stomachs for centuries and could easily be grown in a garden. In the 18th century, farmers with a stomachache would chew on a mint leaf to calm their stomachs. The same can be used today, so always have spearmint and peppermint candy or gum when you have a sudden problem with your morning sickness. It's handy in case you get sick for your breath, but it could also prevent an accident.

*STAY HYDRATED
Drink water, juice or decaffeinated tea throughout the day so you don't become dehydrated. If you are sick throughout the day, try to replenish your fluids.

I suffered through my morning sickness for the first four months, and my doctor even considered putting me on a very expensive medication that my insurance didn't cover. But once I figured out what worked for me, I stuck to it. Keep in mind as you are going through the worst of your morning sickness that it will end someday, and you will be rewarded handsomely with a beautiful baby!

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