Nausea and vomiting as soon as you wake up in the morning during pregnancy? These 5 safe home remedies will relieve morning sickness in a jiffy

The good news of motherhood brings immense happiness in life, but for many women in the first three months i.e. the first trimester, the beginning of the morning becomes like a nightmare. As soon as the eyes open or the feet are put down from the bed, one suddenly starts feeling dizzy, the taste in the mouth becomes astringent and there is a terrible sensation of vomiting or nausea along with a sharp twist in the stomach. It is commonly called ‘Morning Sickness’. Although it has been named morning sickness, the reality is that this problem can suddenly strike at any time of the day – in the afternoon sun, at evening tea time or even while sleeping at night. In Indian families, it is often ignored as a normal symptom of pregnancy and the pregnant woman has to suffer from weakness, dehydration and loss of appetite throughout the day. But according to medical science and nutrition experts, even though it is a natural physiological process, its effects can be reduced to a great extent by making some very easy and safe lifestyle changes so that both the mother and the fetus can feel energetic.

Morning sickness is not a disease, rather it is evidence that the level of new hormones in your body is increasing rapidly to protect the pregnancy.

• Rapid surge of hCG hormone: Immediately after conception, the placenta begins producing the hormone ‘human chorionic gonadotropin’ (hCG) rapidly. This hormone is at its peak in the first trimester and stimulates the part of the brain that controls vomiting and nausea.

• Effect of estrogen and progesterone: Along with keeping the uterus relaxed, progesterone hormone also slows down the muscles of the digestive system and the esophagus. Due to this, food remains in the stomach longer than usual, stomach acid starts rising upwards and sour belching and nausea occur.

• Hyperosmia: Due to the effect of hormones, the sense of smell of a pregnant woman becomes extremely sensitive. In the kitchen, the heat of oil and spices, the smell of garlic and onion, the steam of tea or even the slightest scent of perfume and soap can instantly cause vomiting.

• Low blood sugar: After fasting for 7-8 hours overnight, the glucose level in the body drops in the morning, due to which dizziness and restlessness doubles on an empty stomach.

Some traditional items present in the kitchen have the ability to instantly suppress heartburn and nausea without any side effects:

1. Miraculous Ginger Extract: Compounds called ‘gingerol’ and ‘shogaol’ present in ginger calm the contractions of the stomach and suppress the feeling of vomiting. As soon as you wake up in the morning, drink a cup of lukewarm water mixed with a little ginger juice and a pinch of honey. If you want, you can also put a small piece of ginger in your mouth and suck it.

2. Fresh Fragrance of Lemon and Mint: Whenever you feel nauseous, cut a fresh lemon and smell its aroma. The citrus oils present in the lemon peel instantly calm the vomiting reflex of the brain. By adding lemon juice and fresh mint leaves in lukewarm water and drinking it sip by sip, the bitterness in the mouth also disappears.

3. Dry snacks before leaving bed (Crackers/Dry Toast): Never get up from bed in the morning on an empty stomach. Keep plain salty biscuits, roasted makhana or plain roasted toast by your bedside at night. Chew two-three bites as soon as you wake up and lie down comfortably for 10-15 minutes. It absorbs excess stomach acid and normalizes the sugar level.

4. Fennel and sugar candy water: Soak one spoon fennel in water overnight or boil it in water in the morning and filter it. Fennel has a cooling effect, which calms the bile and keeps the digestive fire healthy.

5. Coconut Water Elixir: If you are feeling weak due to continuous vomiting, drink fresh coconut water. It contains natural electrolytes, potassium and magnesium which prevent dehydration in the body and cool the stomach.

Never make the mistake of eating heavy food at one go during pregnancy, because the sluggish digestive system cannot handle it.

• Eat little and often: Instead of eating a full meal three times a day, eat small and frequent meals every two to three hours. Neither leave the stomach completely empty nor fill it excessively.

• Combination of proteins and complex carbohydrates: Include boiled eggs, pulses, curd, sprouted grains, oats and nuts in your diet. Protein-rich food keeps blood sugar stable and prevents nausea.

• Do not drink water immediately after eating: Avoid drinking lots of water or juice while eating or immediately after, as this causes bloating and increases acidity. Always sip water between meals.

• Abstain from spicy and oily food: Completely stay away from excess oil, strong chillies and deep fried snacks as they are very heavy to digest and increase indigestion.

Although in most cases morning sickness subsides on its own after the first trimester i.e. around 12 to 14 weeks, but in some women it can take a serious form which is called ‘Hyperemesis Gravidarum’ in medical language. If you are vomiting more than 4 to 5 times a day, are not able to hold even a sip of water in your stomach, the color of urine has become dark yellow, your weight has started decreasing rapidly or you are feeling extremely dizzy and faint, then do not try to manage it at home. In such a situation, immediately consult your gynecologist, so that IV drip (saline) and anti-emetic medicines safe for pregnancy can be given in time. Keep yourself happy, get enough sleep and enjoy this beautiful phase by being stress free.