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Managing Morning Sickness: Care Instructions

Overview

Morning sickness is nausea, sometimes with vomiting, during pregnancy. It occurs most often during the first several months of pregnancy. It usually gets better in the second trimester.

It's likely that your hormones are causing your morning sickness. But you can do things to feel better. You can change what and how you eat, avoid certain foods and smells, and ask your doctor or midwife about medicines you can try.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

  • Your nausea may be worse if your stomach is empty. Eat five or six small meals a day instead of three large meals.
  • For nausea when you wake up, eat a small snack, such as a couple of crackers or pretzels, before rising. Allow a few minutes for your stomach to settle before you slowly get up.
  • Drink enough fluids. Water and other caffeine-free drinks are good choices.
  • Try to avoid smells and foods that make you feel nauseated. High-fat or greasy foods and coffee may make nausea worse. Some foods that may be easier to tolerate include cold, sour, and salty foods.
  • Try foods and drinks made with ginger, such as ginger tea, ginger ale, and crystallized ginger. Ginger may help with nausea.
  • If you are taking iron supplements, ask your doctor or midwife if they are necessary for you right now.
  • Get lots of rest. Stress and fatigue can make your morning sickness worse.
  • Try a P6 acupressure wrist band. These anti-nausea wristbands help some people. You can buy them at most drugstores.
  • Take your prenatal vitamins at night on a full stomach.
  • Ask your doctor or midwife about medicines that may help with morning sickness.
  • Learn more about managing nausea and vomiting.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You passed out (lost consciousness).

Call your doctor, midwife, or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You are too sick to your stomach to drink fluids.
  • You have symptoms of dehydration, such as:
    • Dry eyes and a dry mouth.
    • Passing only a little urine.
    • Feeling thirstier than usual.
  • You are not able to keep down your medicine.
  • You have new symptoms, such as diarrhea, fever, or belly pain.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor, midwife, or nurse advice line if:

  • You lose weight.
  • Your symptoms get worse or you do not get better as expected.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter W450 in the search box to learn more about "Managing Morning Sickness: Care Instructions".

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