By Molly Greacen, Lic Ac
Nausea during pregnancy or morning sickness affects 50-80% of women. For many women, this occurs throughout the day and even into the night. Most women experience it beginning between week 5 and 6, gradually diminishing until week 12 to 16. Elevated hormonal levels of hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) secreted by the placenta and/or progesterone secreted by the ovaries have been understood to be the cause.
In traditional Chinese Medicine, there are a variety of patterns causing this, and all include what is called “strong upward rebellious energy of the stomach.” Acupuncture helps by strengthening the energetic function of the stomach, and correcting underlying disharmonies, such as “liver qi stagnation and deficient spleen Qi with dampness.”
The following dietary advice is recommended to reduce the energetic workload of the digestive system.
Hydrate! It is very important not to get dehydrated. Becoming even slightly dehydrated will make the nausea worse. Dry lips, feeling thirsty and reduced urine output are signs that your fluid intake is inadequate. If your urine output decreases to only 1 x a day, you need to let your doctor or midwife know. If you are having difficulty drinking fluids, concentrate on having small amounts frequently. Try soups (potato soup can be useful as it is bland), or warm teas like ginger or peppermint. If burping makes you feel better, carbonated drink may help settle the stomach. It is recommended to drink 8 to 12 glasses of water a day, so do what you can!
Have small regular snacks, to keep your blood sugar stable. Eat a small snack every 1 ½ hour to 2 hours, before the empty, hungry feeling sets in. It could be a few almonds, ½ a sandwich or piece of fruit, etc. It is a delicate balance, as overeating will intensify the nausea. Avoid sweets or juices which will quickly elevate your blood sugar, instead consuming slower releasing carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, whole grains and potatoes. A high protein snack before bed (like nuts or yogurt) and a carbohydrate based snack like crackers or toast upon waking might work well.
Ideally, pregnant women should consume 75 to 100 grams of protein daily. Listen to your body and find foods that work well for you. Warm drinks and soups help if you are cold and tired. Rest if you can during the time of day when you feel the worst.
Some things that have helped women include:
Chamomile, fennel, anise, peppermint, red raspberry or ginger tea (can add honey), ginger ale, mineral water with lemon, potato soup, umeboshi plum tea (1/2 tsp of the paste in boiling water, can add honey).
Foods: Almonds, baby rice cereal, non gluten crackers, dried fruit (especially apricots and raisins), egg sandwiches, grapefruit, non gluten pasta/noodles, peaches, pears, potato, yoghurt, baked vegetables, cooked and raw fruit, well-cooked grains, broths and gravies, ginger candy or peppermints, nourishing beef or chicken stew with root vegetables. Make your food choices all organic and non-gluten if possible.
Take prenatal vitamins after lunch or dinner with food.
Citrus and Pinellia Combination (also known as curing pills) is helpful, and you can take one capsule with each meal. Another way to take it is by making a tea, and sipping it throughout the day.
Rainbow Light brand has a morning sickness combination with B6 and herbs. Sea sickness bracelets can be purchased at your health food store, and worn on your wrist to put pressure on an acupuncture pt called Pericardium 6. Pressure can also be applied frequently to this point and to Kidney 27. Walking helps, so get out for a little exercise every day.
