Your Care Instructions

Nausea and vomiting (often called morning sickness) are common in pregnancy. They are caused by pregnancy hormones and happen most often in the first 3 months. Some women get very sick and are not able to keep down food and fluids. This extreme morning sickness is called hyperemesis gravidarum. It can lead to a dangerous loss of fluids in the body. It also can keep you from gaining weight and getting proper nutrition during your pregnancy.

Your body fluids are put back in balance with water and minerals called electrolytes. Medicine may help if you have severe nausea and vomiting.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor, nurse advice line, or midwife if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Choose water and other clear liquids until you feel better. Try sipping on sports drinks that have salt and sugar in them.
• Eat a small snack, such as crackers, before you get out of bed. Wait a few minutes, then get out of bed slowly.
• Keep food in your stomach, but not too much at once. An empty stomach can make nausea worse. Eat several small meals every day instead of three large meals.
• Eat more protein and less fat.
• Try to avoid smells and foods that make you feel sick to your stomach.
• Get lots of rest.
• You may want to try acupressure bands. They put pressure on an acupressure point in the wrist. Some women feel better using the bands.
• Ginger may also help you feel better. You can use it in tea, take it as a pill, or use a ginger syrup that you can buy at a health food store.