Nausea or vomiting (sometimes called “morning sickness”) is very common in pregnancy. It usually begins at about week 6, and ends at week 12. The cause is not known definitely, but is likely related to hormonal and chemical changes in pregnancy.

The treatment of morning sickness involves:

• Get as much rest as possible.
• Try to avoid stress.
• Eat frequent small meals, every 2 hours.
• Meals high in protein and carbohydrates are considered best.
• The foods should also be easily digestible. Spicy foods usually worsen the problem.
• Cold foods have less smell, and some women are much more sensitive to smell in pregnancy.
• Snack foods can include soft bread, salty chips, sour pickles, crackers and fruit juices.
• Do not drink liquids for 30 minutes before eating.
• Simple antacids may be used for heartburn.
• Ginger root and slippery elm have not yet been proven safe.
• The use of a medical like Diclectin® may be necessary. Diclectin® is considered safe in pregnancy.

Diclectin® is taken usually before bed at night so that it will be working by morning. The dose is 2 tablets. If this does not help, then 1 tablet can be added in the morning, and 1 tablet in the afternoon.

Hints for Reducing Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy:

• Eat crackers 15 minutes before getting up in the morning.
• Eat frequent small meals every 2 hours.
• Avoid drinking liquids 1/2 hour before meals or 1/2 hour after meals.
• Drink plenty of fluids between meals to prevent dehydration.
• Eat slowly and do not lie down after eating.
• Do not skip meals needlessly.
• Avoid spicy food.
• Avoid fried food, especially if you fry it yourself.
• If odors bother you, try to have good ventilation in the kitchen.
• Try eating cold food instead of hot (cold food does not have as much smell).
• Do not hesitate to eat when you feel you can.