pregnancy

Remedies for Nausea in Pregnancy

Nausea in pregnancy or nausea gravidica is a symptom that typically occurs in the first phase of gestation (first 3 months).

Very annoying and sometimes limiting (especially when it evolves in vomiting), it is considered the most unpleasant inconvenience to face during the interesting state.

It appears as a malaise that affects the stomach and esophagus. It is frequently accompanied by desire or the need to vomit and creates a certain reluctance towards food and drink.

Pregnancy nausea is caused by the hormonal flows that regulate gestation. In particular, it is hypothesized that the chemical molecule responsible for this reaction is human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG).

It must be specified that nausea never occurs in the same amount, frequency and duration. It changes according to the person, the specific case and the gestation period.

What to do

To reduce nausea, it is necessary to respect a series of precautions concerning the lifestyle.

In general, these principles concern the attitude and behavior to be taken in the various daily activities.

As specified, nausea can occur for a fairly long period. It is therefore necessary for the pregnant woman to plan and organize her life trying to avoid situations or behaviors that can aggravate nausea.

We recommend:

  • Eat adequately to avoid gastric fullness, promoting digestibility and preventing gastro esophageal reflux:
    • Reduce the total volume of meals.
    • Observe a slow and regular chewing rhythm.
    • Establish a minimum consumption time.
    • Choose the most suitable foods (see below).
    • Stay in a sitting position for at least an hour and a half before going to bed.
  • Eat frequently to prevent the feeling of emptiness in the stomach, hypoglycemia and low blood pressure due to fasting. It is advisable not to let more than 2 hours pass between meals and to drink frequently but in small sips.
  • Nervous stress reduction: in the interesting state, nausea is caused by a specific hormonal flow. However, the emetic center located in the brain is also very sensitive to other hormones and neurotransmitters; in particular those of stress. To reduce nausea, it is necessary to minimize the state of "alert" by promoting relaxation.
    • Regularize sleep: sleep equals and "recharges the brain". Without it the nervous system is unable to cope with any challenging situation like nausea management.
    • Mental training and deep relaxation: they are always recommended and have no side effects.
    • Psychotherapy: represents a fairly specific solution to the discomforts of the emotional sphere. It can be of great help but any pertinence must be established by a professional.
    • Anxiolytic therapy: in case of need (in relation to what was said in the previous point), the doctor can evaluate the relevance of an anxiolytic or antidepressant therapy. Usually, this decision is not made in reference to the feeling of nausea; nevertheless, it can improve significantly with this therapy.
  • If present, fight motion sickness: also called motion sickness, this can be responsible for the appearance of nausea independently. It is not surprising that, in the case of gestation, the effects can be amplified. We recommend:
    • Focus on the road, the horizon or a stationary object.
    • Anticipate the movements of the means of transport or drive it.
    • Eat correctly (dry food and little liquid).
  • Attend air-conditioned rooms or use wet cloths to apply on the forehead.
  • Attend environments with well breathable atmosphere.

What NOT to do

Below we will mention a short list of behaviors to AVOID:

  • Consume meals that are too abundant, difficult to digest, chewing little and hastily.
  • Lie down immediately after meals.
  • Eat only two or three times a day.
  • Drink little and large amounts of liquids.
  • Fast.
  • Work at high rates and / or follow stressful or very demanding activities (such as certain family issues).
  • Sleep little and badly.
  • Suddenly stop any anxiolytic or antidepressant drug therapy.
  • Move often with buses, subways, taxis (back seat), airplane and ship.
  • Attend very hot, humid, crowded places with little air circulation.
  • Rest in uncomfortable positions.
  • Stay exposed to smog and toxic or unpleasant fumes.
  • Use drugs you can do without, smoke, drink alcohol and consume drugs (which should still be avoided by a pregnant woman).

What to eat

  • In case of acute nausea, prefer dry foods. These are able to absorb gastric juices better.
  • Always favor the most digestible foods. This feature is better in foods rich in carbohydrates, low in fat, not too high in protein, not too rich in fiber and cooked in a suitable way (not raw and not overcooked).
  • If you have no side effects on the unborn child, consume functional foods against nausea.

More specifically, the most suitable foods are:

  • Lean bread crust, biscuits, wasa bread, unsalted crackers, etc.
  • Rice and pasta.
  • Potatoes, carrots and green beans.
  • Dehulled legumes.
  • Bananas.

The most suitable cooking systems are:

  • Drowning (boiling in water), also vacuum packed.
  • Steam powered
  • In a pressure cooker
  • Vasocottura.

They are also allowed to cook in a pan on a medium flame and in an oven in MA foil.

The functional foods hypothetically capable of reducing nausea are:

  • Fresh ginger.
  • Root or liquorice extract.
  • Coca-cola (even if the reason is not clear).
  • Ginger ale (it is a ginger drink).
  • Specific herbs and herbal teas allowed during pregnancy (see below).

Some suggest the use of mint, although it is part of the foods not recommended for gastro esophageal reflux.

What NOT to Eat

  • Foods that are too liquid or oily
  • Indigestible or poorly digestible foods. These include foods rich in fats, proteins, dietary fiber, raw or overcooked (especially meat).
  • Irritating and / or harmful foods. For example, very spicy, salty, charred, fried in oil, etc.

The less advisable products are: fat meat broth, whole milk, cured meats, fatty cheeses, fatty and / or fried or fried meats and fish, more than two eggs at a time (especially in omelette), fried vegetables, creamy or fat desserts snacks, too salty foods, rich in chilli and pepper, chocolate, mint, coffee and alcoholic beverages.

Natural Cures and Remedies

WARNING! The use of herbs, extracts, roots, fruits, supplements and exotic foods for nausea during pregnancy must be absolutely ensured by the treating physician. Some of these could have negative effects on the fetus or on the progress of gestation.

NB . The products marked with an asterisk (*) are those potentially inconvenient for the pregnant woman.

  • Dry ginger extract (up to 1 gram per day)
  • Liquid extract of: salicaria, cardo santo, sambuco * and nettle *; two teaspoons diluted in a little water 3 times a day.
  • Infusion 1: centaurea minor *, chamomile, mallow and mint.
  • Infusion 2: juniper *, plantain *, borage *, elm * and polypody.
  • Infusion 3: aromatic calamus *, fibrino clover, enula *, linden flowers, chamomile.

Pharmacological care

In pregnancy it would be advisable to avoid any type of medication.

However, in gestations characterized by very intense and prolonged nausea, the doctor may choose to administer: promethazine, metoclopramide and prochlorperazine. For more information, read the article: Medications to Treat Nausea in Pregnancy

Prevention

  • Avoid eating incorrectly and scrupulously follow what is mentioned in the "What to Eat" paragraph.
  • Avoid alcohol, other nerves and drugs.
  • Ensure nutritional status and MA hydration taking into account priority variables such as: sweating, possible obesity, diabetes, underweight, etc. These factors affect the development of the fetus and take precedence over the indications specified to counteract the nausea.
  • Consciously of motion sickness, if the doctor recommends it, take the medicine before traveling.
  • Practice mental training or advanced relaxation techniques.
  • Sleep properly.
  • Avoid awkward situations (mental stress, disgusting situations, etc.) and, if your doctor recommends it, use anxiolytics.
  • Avoid exposure to contaminants, pollutants or odors that can trigger nausea.

Medical treatments

Medical treatments to treat nausea are limited to pharmacological intake, which is impossible or very limited during pregnancy.

Mental / psychological training is an effective and sometimes decisive method. However, it requires commitment and regularity in the sessions.