by Katrina Norman

Created on: April 12, 2008

While the effects of morning sickness or nausea varies with each woman and each pregnancy, it is important to remember that the health of the unborn child is of the utmost importance. As a mother of five wonderful children, I have encountered my share of nausea. In my opinion there are many ways you can cut down or even eliminate nausea without the use of drugs, which may have side effects on you and your unborn child. Folic acid is a supplement which has been shone to aid in the relief of morning sickness as well as motion sickness. Eating saltine crackers helps, as well as drinking small amounts of carbonated (caffeine free) beverages. Sometimes taking prenatal vitamins on an empty stomach can be the cause of an upset tummy; try taking them with or after a meal, or before bed time. When all else fails, a trick I picked up was keeping a supply of antacids nearby. When I got the feeling of "here it comes", I would quickly chew one or two. The base of the antacid eliminated the burning feeling of the stomach acid as it exited. Avoid fried foods, or any foods that turn your nose during pregnancy, as they will most likely cause your nausea to amplify. Compromising the lifelong health of your child during his or her fetal development isn't worth easing a few months of your personal discomfort.

It is important to know yourself as well as your limits. Stress can also be a cause of nausea during pregnancy. Try to eliminate as much stress as possible. Your body is going through some pretty major changes including hormonal and chemical variations. You may find yourself becoming sensitive to things that never bothered you before. Your body is telling you that something isn't right. Listening to it, rather than drugging yourself to eliminate a natural occurrence may be in your best interest.

Smells are among the leading causes of nausea during pregnancy. Try eliminating as many chemicals or fragrances in your environment as possible. Change your detergent to a "perfume free" brand, or clean with soap and water instead of bleach or other cleansers which require ventilation when being used. Your senses are bombarded by so many different chemicals and smells; shampoo, body soap, hand soap, dish soap, floor cleaner, window cleaner, laundry detergent and fabric softeners. When you stop to think of everything that is in your environment, it becomes easier to see the steps you can take to prevent nausea rather than just treat it with a drug.

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