How to Resolve Prenatal Nausea
Prenatal nausea can be caused by any of these reasons and is most often treatable:
Not eating enough (this is your bodies way of telling you that your baby is not getting enough nutrients). Try adding an extra 150 calories a day to your diet (this can also be done preconception). This can be most helpful for women who started out underweight in their pregnancy. Later in pregnancy, you will likely need 300-500 extra calories a day to feel your best.
You are not eating enough protein - Try getting 60-90 grams of protein a day. If you were lacking protein, replenishing your body with protein should stop the nausea immediately)
Vitamin B6 deficiency - You can take up to 50mg of vitamin b6 twice daily. B6 is water soluble which means you can’t take too much. Any B6 your body doesn’t need will just come out in your pee! Remember that if you were deficient in B6, it can take up to two weeks before your deficiency is resolved and your symptoms disappear. This is why it can be helpful to take vitamin b6 before conception.
You have low blood sugar - You can try a blood sugar monitor but most importantly, remember not to eat large carb-rich meals without a protein and make sure not to go longer than 4 hours without eating as that can also cause low blood sugar. Exercise or walking can also help stabilize blood sugar.
Anxious and shallow breathing/nervousness - Try the 4 in, 6 out breathing pattern. Continue until nausea goes away and repeat any time it comes back.
Your body rejected your baby’s blood type (this can happen for mothers who have a negative blood type or are RH-)
Or in rare circumstances, hormonal changes (specifically a sensitivity to the hormone GDF15)
My favorite recommendations for when the nausea hits
Trader Joe’s no joke ginger shots (these work insanely fast and are also great during labor in transition)
Drink a large cold glass of water or lemon water
Meditate, get a massage, try acupuncture - breathing deep calms the nervous system, which in turn, calms the mind. The gut and brain are connected and it is no surprise that unplanned pregnancies can make a mom feel nervous, excited or nauseous. Calming your nerves may help to calm your upset stomach. Deep breathing is also amazing to practice for your birth!
Lie in a dark room with a cool cloth on your forehead if feeling dizzy
Sip on some bone broth
Cook your favorite comfort foods
Laugh often with friends or family
Ginger chews (found at Marshalls and TJ Max), ginger tea (fresh or dried)
Papaya Mints by nature’s sunshine
Practice gratitude and forgiveness
