• Disclaimer: The following statements are my own.  I am not a licensed medical provider, nor a certified nutritionist.  Discuss any health matters with your provider.

The dreaded morning sickness isn’t the same for everyone.  In fact, most women don’t get sick in the morning, but at any part of the day typically lasting from 6 to 13 weeks of pregnancy.  Here are 3 quick ways to combat the nasty gut feeling in those early weeks.

Dill Pickle Juice.  This is one that I LIVED off of when I was pregnant with my son.  It is a quick fix on nausea even when you or anyone in the family has an upset stomach.  Sipping on pickle juice works because of the vinegar used to make/preserve the cucumbers/pickles.  If you are needing additional substance you can always nibble on yummy pickles!

Why it works:  When that turning feeling hits your stomach it is most likely due to an influx of bile.  Your body is trying to break down foods as fast as possible to sustain the growing life inside!  Vinegar helps balance the acidity of the stomach, therefore assisting in the ease of nausea.

Ginger.  Ginger drinks and snacks are always a great thing to have on hand. Great options are ginger ale soda, ginger tea, ginger jam on toast and ginger snaps.

Why it works: Studies have shown and suggested that this spice helps “accelerate gastric emptying and stimulate gastric antral contractions” (PubMed.gov) in addition to regulating hormones contributing to the gut twisting feeling.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25912592

Peppermint.  Peppermint candies, tea and diffused essential oils are easily accessible and commonly used for various reasons, including nausea.

Why it works: Much like ginger, it too helps the stomach move food quickly through the system by relaxing the stomach muscles.  It is very calming for both the mind and the body.

Sometimes spurts of sickness can hit any time during pregnancy in addition to some women experiencing “hyperemesis gravidarum”.  HG (for short) is excessive vomiting during pregnancy. It can be a serious condition that needs to be treated with IV fluids and nutritional supplements. See your medical provider for more information.

Have you used any of these? What worked best for you? Tell me by commenting below!

Thanks for reading and happy pregnancy!

-Amanda