7 practical tips that will help you avoid morning sickness

The most common cause of morning sickness is pregnancy. However, it is possible to deal with it in other cases, such as a hangover or going for a long time without eating. To explain more details about the issue, see what Dr. Regina Amarante, a gynecologist and obstetrician at the São Camilo Hospital Network in São Paulo, said.

What causes morning sickness

According to the doctor, morning sickness is the result of changes that happen in the body. In the case of pregnancy, the most common cause for the problem is due to “elevated Beta-hcg hormone”.

morning sickness in pregnancy

“Sickness during pregnancy occurs due to the elevation of the Beta-hcg hormone, it can start in the fourth week, worsen in the eighth and tends to improve after 12 weeks. Fasting makes nausea worse, so it tends to be worse in the morning and when the interval between meals is too long. Generally, nausea does not usually harm the evolution of pregnancy”, explained Regina.

Other causes of morning sickness

In addition to pregnancy, the doctor commented that there are other factors that can result in morning sickness, such as fasting for a long time, sleeping poorly, having a hangover and having reflux.

How to avoid morning sickness

Dr Regina gave some recommendations that help to avoid morning sickness. Check out:

Feed every 3 hours

“As fasting can make nausea worse, eat meals every 3 hours and, if necessary, up to every 2 hours. You can have up to 6 meals a day, being very important to have a supper to shorten the night fasting”, quoted the gynecologist.

Opt for a dry, salty and cold diet

According to Regina, “the foods that we need to chew longer prepare the stomach to receive it and deceive the vomiting center. Start breakfast with toast, lunch can be a raw salad and eat fruit too.”

stay well hydrated

“This will help with digestion,” the obstetrician explained. However, it is not just during pregnancy that the tip is valid. Staying well hydrated helps prevent morning sickness in other cases, such as reflux.

Avoid eating too much during pregnancy

When motion sickness is a result of pregnancy, Regina recommends that you “avoid eating too much, as digestion is slower during pregnancy. The secret is to eat little and several times a day.”

Be careful when brushing your teeth

According to the gynecologist, “the center of vomiting is at the base of the tongue. Avoid brushing this area after a meal, as this may encourage vomiting.”

Stay away from strong odors during pregnancy

“During pregnancy, women tend to be more sensitive to tastes and odors, so avoid, as far as possible, smells and foods with strong odors that may or have already caused nausea”, explained the doctor.

Bet on sour foods or ginger

Dr. Regina commented that “some foods can alleviate the bad feelings of nausea. Ginger, for example, is a food known to relieve nausea, whether in the form of tea, candies or crystals. Sour foods can also lessen nausea, like oranges and lemons.”

With the doctor’s recommendations it is possible to avoid morning sickness, however, if the discomfort continues, look for your trusted doctor. If you are preparing for the arrival of the baby, take the opportunity to also check out the article about dizziness in pregnancy.