Pregnancy-linked nausea is a fact of life for many, if not all, pregnant women.  While a lucky few evade this symptom, others are plagued by nausea well beyond their first trimester.  In some cases, nausea can be so severe that it leads to dehydration, fatigue, and other medical conditions, such as hyperemesis gravidarum, that require a doctor’s care. If mild pregnancy nausea is slowing you down and you don’t want to resort to a medical prescription, here are a few natural remedies for nausea that may help you remain functional:

Herbal Tea

Tea can offer a host of benefits to support pregnancy wellness beyond just curbing pregnancy related nausea. It can be tricky, though, to navigate which teas are safe and soothing for which particular symptoms. We love the Birds and Beas Inner Peace Tea to soothe pregnancy nausea, as well as the rest of their organic tea line for other stages of pregnancy and motherhood.

Certain Essential Oils

Select essential oils are commonly recommended as home remedies for nausea, including peppermint, lemon, and chamomile. You can make your own belly rub by placing 1 drop of peppermint oil or chamomile oil on a warm, damp towel and rubbing it gently onto your belly.  Or, place 1 drop of peppermint oil on a sugar cube and suck on it. Three Lollies, featured in our October 2016 Pregnancy Box, uses essential oils in their products to combat pregnancy nausea.  Before you dabble in essential oils while you’re expecting, please use caution since some essential oils are not safe for pregnancy.

Frequent Snacking

Give yourself permission to snack! You may have noticed that your nausea seems worse when you have an empty stomach. It might seem counter-intuitive, but frequent snacking can help combat pregnancy nausea. By keeping your blood sugar steady throughout the day, pregnancy nausea is likely to be diminished. Just be sure to stick to healthy, protein rich snacks so you aren’t filling up on empty calories that are causing your blood sugar to spike. Satisfy sweet cravings with non-GMO powerhouse snacks like Ecotrek Fitness Bars or The Cookie Department goodies.

Stay Hydrated

Carry around a water bottle and make sure to use it! Dehydration can exacerbate pregnancy nausea, especially if you’re actively vomiting.  Squeeze a little lemon in your water or use a fruit infuser to increase the fruit’s soothing effects.

Ginger, Ginger, and More Ginger

Ginger has been used for centuries as a natural stomach remedy for nausea, bloating, and overall stomach upset. You’ve probably heard clinicians and parents recommend ginger ale for an upset stomach long before you were pregnant. There are plenty of ways to ingest ginger to relieve your pregnancy nausea without drinking a sugary soda.  Ecocentric Mom introduced our Pregnancy Box subscribers to Prince of Peace Ginger which offers a Ginger Tea as well as Ginger Chews to naturally curb pregnancy nausea.

Acupressure 

Acupressure involves exerting pressure at specific points on the body to relieve pesky symptoms such as nausea. By utilizing these pressure points, your body will release serotonin or endorphins that block other chemicals likely causing you to feel sick. Many mamas swear by it!

Cold Compress

Applying a cool compress on the back of your neck in the midst of nausea can help kick the queasiness.  We love the lavender-scented hot & cold pack featured in a past Pregnancy Box because it can serve double duty as a warm compress to soothe aches and pains in later pregnancy and even during labor. A cold compress is a terrific home remedy for nausea you might want to try!

Remember to always seek the advice and guidance of your healthcare provider before beginning any new remedy or regimen. Always keep your provider informed of your symptoms to ensure the best possible care. Some women will require intravenous fluids due to dehydration from nausea and vomiting. Your OB or midwife should be aware of your condition to help you maintain a safe and healthy pregnancy.

What are other natural remedies for pregnancy nausea that have worked for you? Share your thoughts with us below!