How to deal with nausea during pregnancy, from taking medicine to natural ones
The condition of nausea and vomiting has become a symptom that appears in women in early pregnancy with different severity. Many women feel weak, lethargic, and lackluster when the nausea is severe and frequent. In order to keep having a productive day, here are various ways to deal with and relieve nausea during pregnancy.
How to deal with nausea during pregnancy
There are several ways to deal with and relieve nausea during pregnancy, including early pregnancy.
Starting from taking medicines from doctors, natural or traditional remedies, to changing lifestyles.
So that you don’t get confused, here are some ways to get rid of nausea and vomiting for pregnant women that can be done:
What are the doctor’s treatments for nausea?
Prescription drugs to relieve nausea in pregnant women must still be under the supervision of a doctor.
This is intended to reduce the possibility of improper dosing, so that it can interfere with fetal development in each trimester of pregnancy.
Some drugs for nausea for pregnant women that are often given are:
1. Vitamin B6 and doxylamine
The combination of doxylamine (Unisom) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) supplements is recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) as a way to treat nausea during pregnancy.
Various data also show that the combination of these two drugs is very effective in reducing as well as relieving nausea and vomiting.
The combination of these two drugs does not result in an increased risk of birth defects in the baby.
Reporting from the American Family Phsycian (AFP), pyridoxine-doxylamine is the only drug that is specifically labeled by the Food and Drug Administration to treat nausea and vomiting during young pregnancy.
2. Antiemetic
Antiemetics are anti-nausea medications that are commonly prescribed as a way to treat and relieve nausea during pregnancy.
This medicine is given if other treatments have not worked. There are several types of antiemetic drugs that are usually prescribed, namely:
Meanwhile, for women with severe nausea such as during early pregnancy, doctors will give droperidol (Inapsine) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
3. Antihistamines and anticholinergics
Meclizine (Antivert), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), and diphenhydramine are among the drugs that have been shown to be effective against nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
In addition, these drugs are certainly safe for consumption by pregnant women.
4. Motility drugs
Metoclopramide (Reglan) is a drug that helps improve the movement of the digestive tract.
This drug works by increasing pressure on the sphincter (a muscle that is shaped like a ring that closes an opening in the body) and is located in the lower esophagus.
5. Intravenous fluids
If pregnant women experience nausea with cases of pregnancy complications such as hyperemesis gravidarum, intravenous fluids are an important treatment method to overcome them.
Intravenous fluids help replace fluids lost due to persistent vomiting.
Usually, this treatment is given in a hospital while inpatient or in an emergency department.
Generally, doctors will combine intravenous fluids with antiemetics or anti-nausea medications.
This anti-nausea drug can be given in pill form to be taken directly, rectally (through the anus), or through an IV.
Natural remedies as a way to deal with nausea during pregnancy
If you want to use natural remedies to get rid of nausea during pregnancy, there are several household ingredients that can be used, namely:
1. Ginger
One popular way to deal with nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy is by consuming ginger.
Ginger can be processed into warm drinks such as tea or refreshing drinks such as adding brown sugar to it.
However, try to consult your doctor first before drinking it every day.
Even though it is a natural ingredient, ginger can have an adverse effect on pregnancy.
2. Lemon oil
A study in the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal states that lemon oil can help treat nausea and vomiting in pregnant women.
In this study, it was found that pregnant women who inhaled lemon oil experienced reduced symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
3. Lavender oil
Lavender oil is one of the natural ingredients that can help reduce and relieve nausea during pregnancy.
This essential oil stimulates relaxation so that the nausea will slowly disappear.
To feel the benefits, you only need to put 2 to 3 drops of lavender oil in it diffuser or a basin of water to inhale the vapors.
4. Spearmint oil
One natural way to deal with nausea during early pregnancy is by rubbing with oil spearmint which has been dissolved into the stomach area.
Apart from being rubbed into the stomach, you can also inhale the steam directly to help relieve feelings of nausea.
Aroma spearmint the refreshing aroma mixed with menthol can make you feel more refreshed.
5. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a therapy that involves inserting very thin needles at strategic points on the body.
Quoting from the Mayo Clinic, traditional Chinese medicine is believed to be able to balance the flow of energy flowing through the meridians in the body.
The stimulation at these points is able to stimulate the nerves, muscles, and connective tissue.
Apart from treating pain, acupuncture is one way that is widely used to help treat and relieve nausea during pregnancy.
Although not scientifically proven, this technique is quite helpful and effective for some pregnant women.
Lifestyle changes as a way to deal with nausea during pregnancy
Eliminating and overcoming nausea during pregnancy can also be done by changing your diet and daily lifestyle.
Some of which can be done to deal with complaints of pregnant women, namely:
1. Eat a balanced nutritious diet
Eating nutritious food according to the nutrition of pregnant women is very good for you and the fetus, so you can avoid low birth weight (LBW) conditions.
Choose healthy foods for pregnant women that are rich in protein, low in fat, and easy to digest.
Then, avoid spicy and too fatty foods, especially those containing trans and saturated fats.
If you want to eat fatty foods, choose sources of healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado, and skinless chicken.
In addition, also meet your vitamin and mineral needs from a variety of vegetables and fruits.
Even if it’s difficult, force yourself to keep eating nausea-fighting foods at the right time every day.
That way, your body will stay strong and have the energy to go through the day.
2. Take breaks
Fatigue can usually trigger nausea. For that, take a break whenever you feel tired and don’t force yourself to continue your activities.
Make yourself relaxed at home and don’t do too much like you did before you got pregnant.
Remember that your body weighs twice as much as usual.
3. Get up slowly
Sudden movements when getting out of bed in the morning can trigger nausea. Not only nausea, you may feel lightheaded or arm.
Before really getting up, sit for a moment in bed. After feeling that everything is fine, only then get out of bed and stand up.
4. Get fresh air
Fresh air in the morning is usually done as a way to deal with and relieve nausea that attacks during early pregnancy.
For that, if nausea often strikes, opening the windows of the house and letting in the air and sunlight is a good thing.
After that, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. Repeat this method whenever you feel nauseous and want to vomit.
Opening the windows and letting the air in will also help get rid of nausea-inducing smells in the home.
5. Often eat snacks
Often eating snacks during pregnancy is useful for preventing the stomach from being too full at one time.
A full stomach, or even too empty, can provoke nausea to come back.
You can prop your stomach with a piece of bread or biscuits when you wake up.
Avoid eating large portions directly as a way to deal with nausea during early pregnancy.
6. Avoid clothes that are too tight
Clothes that are too tight can put pressure on the stomach, causing tightness and triggering nausea.
For that, try wearing loose clothing when pregnant. In addition to comfort, nausea will usually decrease.
7. Drink lots of water
If you constantly experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, you will lose a lot of body fluids. That is why, drinking a lot can prevent dehydration.
Apart from plain water, sources of body fluids can be obtained from fruit juice, coconut water, tea, or maybe by eating soup.
Lemon water can also be the right choice as a way to deal with nausea during pregnancy.
This is because the fresh aroma, as well as the delicious taste, can help reduce nausea.
8. Avoiding triggers for nausea
Every pregnant woman usually has a different trigger for nausea. If you find that you are sensitive to a certain smell, try to avoid it.
This will really help to reduce nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, including during early pregnancy.
9. Think about something else
Don’t focus on the constant nausea. It’s a good idea to try to divert your attention to other things that might be uplifting.
Do a variety of activities that you enjoy to help get over the nausea that often arises.
That way, the body will automatically be advised not to think about the nausea you feel.
When should I see a doctor?
If various methods of dealing with and eliminating nausea during pregnancy have been carried out but do not work, check the condition of the womb immediately.
In addition, you also need to go to the doctor immediately if you experience nausea and vomiting accompanied by various symptoms such as:
- A fever of 38 degrees Celsius or more.
- Feel very weak, dizzy, or want to pass out when standing.
- Food and drink that is consumed is always expelled immediately through vomiting.
- Stomach ache.
- Very dark colored urine.
- Not peeing in more than 8 hours.
- Vomiting blood.
- Heartbeat faster than usual.
When experiencing these severe symptoms, you may already have hyperemesis gravidarum.
Immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment. Do not delay this because it can harm you and the fetus in the womb.
Hello Health Group and Hello Sehat do not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please check our editorial policy page for more detailed information.
Quinlan, J., & Hill, D. (2003). Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy. American Family Physician, 68(1), 121-128. Retrieved from https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0701/p121.html
Acupuncture – Mayo Clinic. (2020). Retrieved 7 December 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acupuncture/about/pac-20392763
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Morning sickness – Symptoms and causes. (2020). Retrieved 7 December 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/morning-sickness/symptoms-causes/syc-20375254
Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy. (2020). Retrieved 7 December 2021, from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/morning-sickness-nausea-and-vomiting-of-pregnancy
