Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy

What can I do for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy?

The following suggestions may be useful in relieving nausea and vomiting:

• Remember, "any calorie is a good calorie" so eat what stays down for you.
• These foods may not be well tolerated:
• Greasy or fried foods, as they take longer to leave the stomach
• Very sweet foods
• Spicy hot foods
• Foods with strong odors
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals, that is six small meals and snacks.
• Drink fluids between meals, not with meals.
• Eat foods that are at room temperature or cooler. Hot foods may trigger nausea.
• Decaffeinated soda is often well tolerated. Don't opt for diet soda, you need the calories right now.
• Try Ginger Ale- let it sit on the counter and get to room temperature and stir it until most of the bubbles are gone.
• Eat slowly and rest after meals. It is best to rest sitting in an upright position for about one hour after eating.
• Dry toast, soda crackers, or dry pre-sweetened cereals may relieve periods of nausea.
• Keep track of when you feel nausea and what causes it.
• Take your prenatal vitamin at bedtime. If these are causing severe nausea for you, consider taking a chewable Flintstone's or Centrum Vitamin.
• If continued vomiting occurs, do not eat or drink anything until the vomiting has stopped. As you feel better, try some small amounts of clear liquids (broth, Jello, juice, and/or popsicles.)
• Tart or salty foods such as lemons or pickles may help decrease nausea.
• Avoid mixing hot and cold foods at a meal, as it may stimulate nausea.
• Ask your doctor about medicine to control nausea.
• Avoid eating in a room that is stuffy, too warm, or has cooking smells/odors that may disagree with you.
• Wear loose fitting clothing.
• To avoid the sight/smell of foods, eat meals out or have others bring prepared food to you.
• These are signs that you need to call your doctor:
• Unable to keep anything down for more than two days
• Fainting
• Vomiting blood
• Rib pain
• Jaundice (skin is greenish or yellow)
• Your weight drops more than five pounds within a week