5 Foods That Fight Nausea During Pregnancy

Are you reading this article while sitting next to the porcelain throne? You're in good company! Doctors suggest that as many as 70% of women experience pregnancy nausea or morning sickness during the first trimester. 

While this part of pregnant life isn't much fun, it's perfectly normal, and we know you'll get through it. For many moms-to-be, the key is finding foods that fight nausea during pregnancy. Although you may not feel like eating, the right food for morning sickness can settle your stomach, give you energy, and help you get back to your day. 

We've created this guide to teach you the ins and outs of living with that queasy feeling, including when to seek medical help. Read on to discover our five favorite foods that fight morning sickness. And remember—this too shall pass! 

Why Am I So Nauseous? 

Most pregnant women want to know the exact cause of their morning sickness. After all, if you can understand the purpose it serves, it might be easier to live with it. While doctors have a few theories, the cause of pregnancy nausea is still somewhat mysterious. 

Most professionals believe the cause of morning sickness is shifting blood sugar and hormone levels, including pregnancy hormones like estrogen and HCG. Your body is getting ready for baby-related changes, and the existing systems are mad about it. Nausea is a side effect of your resilient body's quest for balance during a turbulent moment.

If you're feeling extra nauseous, there could be a few explanations. Medical professionals have observed that stress and exhaustion play a role in increased nausea during early pregnancy. Women who experience motion sickness are also more likely to experience this side effect. 

How Common Is Morning Sickness?

About 7 out of 10 women (or 70% of all pregnant women) experience morning sickness at some point during pregnancy.

Pregnancy nausea is usually the worst during the first three months of pregnancy, typically beginning during the fourth, fifth, or sixth week. It tends to get worse around the ninth week of pregnancy.

While most women feel better when they enter the second trimester, nausea can sometimes persist until your little one arrives. About 20% of pregnant women experience morning sickness for the entire pregnancy. 

When Should I Contact My Doctor?

If you're one of the women with extended morning sickness, ask yourself if it's negatively impacting your life. If your morning sickness is severe, you may have a rare condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. This condition affects about 3% of pregnant women and often requires medical intervention. 

Severe morning sickness may lead to dehydration or unhealthy weight loss. Nausea and vomiting may or may not involve specific triggers such as odors or heat. 

You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• You struggle to keep down liquids
• You aren't urinating 
• Your urine is uncommonly dark in color
• You feel faint or dizzy
• You're experiencing a racing heart
• You can't complete tasks of daily living  

In most cases, morning sickness does not become this severe. Still, if you are uncomfortable, speak to your doctor about solutions. They can make recommendations that will make your persistent nausea more tolerable. 

5 Foods That Help With Pregnancy Nausea

When you're nauseous, the last thing you want to think about is food! Even so, your baby depends on you to provide the nutrients they need to grow and develop. When you find a great food that fights pregnancy nausea, you'll appreciate how quickly your situation will improve. 

1. Ginger

Ginger is so good at fighting nausea that, in some Eastern cultures, it's considered medicinal. Eating ginger root on its own isn't particularly tasty, however. Luckily, ginger is the main ingredient in plenty of products you can buy at any grocery store. 

If you're feeling queasy, the following ginger-based products might help:

• Ginger tea
• Ginger ale 
• Ginger sucking candy
• Ginger snap cookies 
• Crystallized ginger 

If you love to cook, find some Asian-inspired recipes that call for fresh ginger. It tastes great in sauces and stir-fries. 

2. Sorbet

Heat is a nausea trigger for many women. That includes hot foods. If you can't keep anything down, try choosing something chilly.

Fresh, creamy sorbet is light, and cold, and contains some nutrition from the fruit. It tends to be lower in calories than heavier options like ice cream. You can also create fruit pops using fresh fruit puree.

3. Bananas

Bananas are a great morning sickness food because they encourage your stomach to produce neutralizing mucus. As a bonus, they provide potassium and fiber, which will fuel your body and help you perk up. Freezing a banana can help make it more tolerable if you're sensitive to temperatures. 

4. Toast

When you're feeling queasy, carbohydrates are your best friend. They settle the stomach and make you feel full and satisfied. The starch in most bread can soak up some excess acids, giving you a needed reprieve from nausea. 

Nearly any starch will do if you don't love toast. That includes rice and potatoes. If possible, choose whole grains to provide a boost of nutrition that you can't find in white bread alone. 

5. Lemons

So many pregnant women swear by the power of lemons as a tool for fighting pregnancy nausea. Carry a lemon and take a whiff when your stomach starts to turn. Enjoy the fresh flavor in lemon water, or unwrap a lemon drop for relief on the go. 

Try Foods That Fight Nausea During Pregnancy

If you're currently feeling queasy, the good news is that it usually doesn't last long. Soon your baby's development will go into overdrive, and your body will change in other exciting ways. In the meantime, prioritize foods that fight nausea during pregnancy and take morning sickness into your own hands.  

If you need a distraction from your nausea, you'll love reading up on everything your Pixsee smart baby monitor can do. From recording lullabies to capturing precious firsts, Pixsee will become your most trusted parenting companion.

Visit our Pixsee Shop and Amazon online store to explore the fantastic features that make this incredible baby monitor the best sidekick for your sweet baby's growth journey.