Remedies for Nausea in Pregnancy

o Pregnancy nausea is a symptom that typically occurs in the first phase of gestation (first 3 months).

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Very annoying and sometimes limiting (especially when it evolves into vomiting), it is considered the most unpleasant inconvenience to face during the pregnant state. Nausea in pregnancy occurs as a discomfort that affects the stomach and the esophagus. It is frequently accompanied by the desire or need to vomit and creates a certain reluctance towards food and drink. Pregnancy nausea is caused by the hormonal flows that regulate gestation. In particular, it is hypothesized that the chemical molecule responsible for this reaction is human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). It must be specified that nausea never occurs in the same extent, frequency and duration. It changes according to the person, the specific case and the period of gestation.

The published material is intended to allow quick access to general advice, suggestions and remedies that doctors and textbooks usually dispense for the treatment of Nausea in Pregnancy; such indications must in no way substitute the opinion of the attending physician or other health specialists in the sector who are treating the patient.

Reduce the total volume of meals.
Observe a slow and steady pace of chewing.
Establish a minimum consumption time.
Choose the most suitable foods (see below).
Remain in a sitting position for at least an hour and a half before going to bed.

Eat frequently to prevent the feeling of empty stomach, hypoglycemia and low blood pressure due to fasting. It is advisable not to let more than 2 hours pass between meals and to drink frequently but in small sips.

Reduction of nervous stress: in the pregnant state, nausea is caused by a specific hormonal flow. However, the emetic center in the brain is also very sensitive to other hormones and neurotransmitters; especially those of stress. To decrease nausea it is necessary to minimize the state of "alert" by promoting relaxation.

Regularizing sleep: sleep is equivalent to "recharging the brain". Without it, the nervous system is unable to cope with any challenging situation such as managing nausea.
Mental training and deep relaxation: they are always recommended and have no side effects.
Psychotherapy: it represents a fairly specific solution for the discomforts of the emotional sphere. It can be of great help but the "relevance, if any, must" be determined by a professional.
Anxiolytic therapy: if necessary (in relation to what has been said in the previous point), the doctor can evaluate the relevance of an anxiolytic or antidepressant therapy.Usually, this decision is not made with reference to the feeling of nausea; nevertheless, it can improve significantly with this therapy.

If present, fight motion sickness: also called motion sickness, this can be responsible for the onset of nausea independently. It is not surprising that, in the event of gestation, the effects can be amplified. We recommend:

Focus on the road, horizon, or stationary object.
Anticipating the movements of the means of transport or driving it.
Eat properly (dry foods and few liquids).

Attend air-conditioned environments or use wet cloths to be applied to the forehead.

Attend environments with a well-breathable atmosphere.

, chewing little and hastily.

Go to bed immediately after meals.

Eat only two or three times a day.

Drink small and large amounts of liquids.

Fast.

Working at a fast pace and / or engaging in stressful or very demanding activities (such as certain family issues).

Sleeping little and badly.

Abruptly discontinue any anxiolytic or antidepressant drug therapy.

Getting around often by bus, subway, taxi (back seat), airplane and ship.

Go to very hot, humid, crowded places with little air recycling.

Rest in uncomfortable positions.

Being exposed to smog and toxic or unpleasant fumes.

Using medications you can do without, smoking, drinking alcohol and consuming drugs (which should still be avoided by the pregnant woman).

Always favor the most digestible foods. This feature is best in foods rich in carbohydrates, low in fat, not too protein, not too rich in fiber and properly cooked (not raw and not overcooked).

If free from side effects on the unborn child, consume functional foods against nausea.

Going more specifically, the most suitable foods are:

Lean crust, crackers, wasa bread, unsalted lean crackers etc.
Rice and pasta.
Potatoes, carrots and green beans.
Hulled legumes.
Bananas.

The most suitable cooking systems are:

Affogatura (boiling in water), also vacuum packed.
Steam powered.
In a pressure cooker.
Vasocooking.

Cooking in a pan over moderate heat and in the oven are also allowed, BUT baked in foil.
Functional foods that are hypothetically capable of reducing nausea are:

Fresh ginger.
Licorice root or extract.
Coca-cola (although it is not clear why).
Ginger ale (it is a ginger-based drink).
Specific herbs and herbal teas allowed during pregnancy (see below).

Some suggest the use of mint, even though it is one of the foods not recommended for gastroesophageal reflux.

, dietary fiber, raw or overcooked (especially meat).

Irritating and / or harmful foods. For example very spicy, salty, charred, fried in waste oil, etc.

The least recommended products are: fatty meat broth, whole milk, cured meats, fatty cheeses, fatty and / or stewed or fried meats and fish, more than two eggs at a time (especially in omelettes), fried vegetables, creamy or fatty desserts, snacks, foods that are too salty, rich in chilli and pepper, chocolate, mint, coffee and alcoholic beverages.

, supplements and exotic foods for nausea in pregnancy must be fully endorsed by the treating physician. Some of these may have adverse effects on the fetus or the progress of gestation.
NB. Products marked with an asterisk (*) are those that are potentially inconvenient for the pregnant woman.

Dry ginger extract (up to 1 gram per day)
Liquid extract of: salicaria, holy thistle, elderberry * and nettle *; two teaspoons diluted in a little water 3 times a day.
Infusion 1: minor centaury *, chamomile, mallow and mint.
Infusion 2: juniper *, plantain *, borage *, elm * and polypodium.
Infusion 3: aromatic calamus *, fibrin clover, elecampane *, lime blossom, chamomile.

and prochlorperazine. For more information, read the article: Drugs to Treat Pregnancy Nausea

, other nerves and drugs.

Guarantee the nutritional status and hydration, taking into account priority variables such as: sweating, possible obesity, pregnancy diabetes, underweight etc. These factors affect the development of the fetus and take precedence over the indications specified to combat nausea.

Conscious of motion sickness, if your doctor recommends it, take the drug before traveling.

Practice mental training or advanced relaxation techniques.

Sleeping properly.

Avoid uncomfortable situations (mental stress, disgusting situations, etc.) and, if the doctor recommends it, use anxiolytics.

Avoid exposure to contaminants, pollutants or odors that can trigger nausea.