Are you troubled by morning sickness and vomiting during pregnancy? Get instant relief with these 5 effective home remedies from gynecologist

Most women face morning sickness in the initial weeks of pregnancy. Despite having ‘Morning’ in the name, uncomfortable conditions like nausea, dizziness and vomiting can occur at any time of the day—morning, afternoon or night. In big cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, Delhi and Mumbai, 70 to 80 percent of pregnant women in the first trimester who come to OPD complain of this problem. According to gynecologists, the main reason for this is the sudden increase in the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and estrogen hormones in the body. Apart from this, during this period the ability to smell (olfactory sensitivity) increases and the digestion process slows down, due to which a slight smell or feeling of vomiting starts even on empty stomach. Generally this condition starts to subside on its own after 12 to 14 weeks.

The biggest reason for morning sickness is empty stomach and sudden drop in blood sugar level. When a pregnant woman wakes up in the morning on an empty stomach after an overnight fast, excessive acid accumulates in the stomach, causing an immediate feeling of vomiting. The most effective way to avoid this is to keep plain crackers, roasted makhana, sweet biscuits or roasted dry toast on your bedside table. As soon as you open your eyes in the morning, instead of getting up from bed, chew 1-2 biscuits or makhana and lie down for 10 to 15 minutes. These dry foods absorb the excess gastric acid present in the stomach, thereby reducing the problem of nausea upon waking up to a great extent.

Both Ayurveda and modern science consider ginger to be the safest and most effective ingredient to prevent nausea. Ginger contains a bioactive compound called ‘gingerol’, which soothes the gastrointestinal tract and prevents the possibility of vomiting.

• Ginger water or tea: In the morning, boil grated fresh ginger in a cup of lukewarm water and add a little honey to it and drink.

• Lemon Fragrance and Shikanji: Whenever any smell makes you nervous, smell a freshly cut lemon. The citrus scent of lemon instantly calms the brain’s nausea receptors. Apart from this, drinking fresh lemon water with some black salt and roasted cumin seeds also prevents dehydration.

During pregnancy the digestive system slows down due to hormonal changes. Eating a heavy plate simultaneously puts pressure on the stomach and starts acid reflux. Conversely, prolonged starvation also increases nausea. Therefore, leave the rule of ‘Three Big Meals’ and eat light and easily digestible food in small portions 5 to 6 times a day. Completely remove excessive fried, spicy, spicy and oily food from your diet. Instead, include things rich in protein and complex carbohydrates like boiled eggs, lentil soup, porridge, khichdi, boiled potatoes and fresh fruits in your diet.

Due to vomiting, water and essential electrolytes get removed from the body rapidly, which increases weakness and headache. Avoid drinking lots of water right after meals, as this overfills the stomach and increases the risk of vomiting. Always drink water slowly, sip by sip, between meals. Apart from plain water, drink coconut water, mint juice, thin buttermilk or apple juice. Coconut water is rich in natural electrolytes which balance the levels of potassium and sodium in the body and prevent weakness.

It is very important to identify the things that trigger morning sickness. Many women start vomiting immediately due to the smell of onion-garlic seasoning, strong perfume, smell of coffee or humidity of a closed room. Stay away from such triggers and keep the exhaust fan on while working in the kitchen so that the smell does not spread. Along with this, mental stress and physical fatigue increase nausea manifold. Take short naps (power naps) during the day, wear loose and comfortable cotton clothes and walk for 15 to 20 minutes in the open fresh air.

Mild morning sickness is a normal physical process, but if a woman is vomiting more than 4-5 times a day, water or food is not staying in the stomach at all, the color of urine has become dark yellow or the weight is continuously decreasing, then it can be a sign of ‘Hyperemesis Gravidarum’. This is a serious medical condition in which severe dehydration occurs in the body. In such a situation, contact your gynecologist without any delay so that IV drip and safe anti-emetic medicines can be given as required. Under no circumstances take any vomiting medicine on your own without a doctor’s prescription.