What are The Recommended Morning Sickness Foods to Eat?
What is Morning Sickness?
Morning sickness is experienced by most pregnant women during the first six weeks lasting to the third month of pregnancy. It is medically termed as Nausea Gravidarum. The severity of this condition varies for different pregnant women. Some may experience it and some may not. But for those who do, they feel nauseated, which is sometimes accompanied by vomiting. It is more frequent in the morning - that’s why it is called morning sickness - but anytime of the day when the pregnant woman becomes less active, a feeling of discomfort because of this condition may be experienced.
Hormonal imbalance due to the body’s adjustment to the physical changes and pregnancy development is the known cause why morning sickness occurs. To help yourself, consider these morning sickness foods to eat as your guide.
Morning Sickness Diet
The usual diet to observe with morning sickness is the bland diet. Bland diet refers to non-irritating foods. This may include all soft diet foods and those that are low in spices and herbs. A soft diet includes foods that are easy to swallow, including easy-to-prepare cereals, soup, and pureed fruits. Adding liberal amounts of food spices can further irritate the stomach, and trigger gastric acidity, leading to more vomiting and stomach distress. For non-spicy foods, a pregnant woman may eat non-stuffed bread, vegetables, unsweetened crackers, and fruits.
Pregnant women should not stand up from the bed or sit upright when feeling nauseated. Sudden movement or rising up may cause orthostatic hypotension, which is the fast dropping of blood pressure levels, making the woman feel more nauseated and prone to fall. If morning sickness occurs regularly, then it is best to keep salted crackers or a natural remedy such as ginger ale at the bedside, since these items are proven to lessen nausea. Also, do not eat immediately after vomiting because it may trigger more vomiting. Just relax for fifteen to twenty minutes before the introduction of the morning sickness foods to eat, or liquids to take, in order for the stomach problems to calm first. Breakfast can be started with sips of water and then following the soft or bland diet.
A pregnant woman should also consider small frequent meals all throughout the day rather than eating three large regular meals. The last small meal before sleeping at night must also be light to ensure this will not lead to indigestion or another morning sickness for the next day.
Time to Consult Your Doctor
Morning sickness is only temporary up to the third trimester of pregnancy. You should not take any medication without your doctor’s advice, because the drug contents may cross the placental barrier and harm the baby. However, if you experience severe nausea and vomiting, then you are at risk for dehydration. Consult your doctor as soon as possible. Remember, regular drinking water cannot replace fluids and electrolytes lost from the body. Proper intravenous fluid must be administered, and these will be recommended by your doctor if necessary.
References
How Can I Minimize Morning Sickness - https://www.wisegeek.com/how-can-i-minimize-morning-sickness.htm
What Causes Morning Sickness - https://www.wisegeek.com/what-causes-morning-sickness.htm
