WHAT CAUSES MORNING SICKNESS?
Morning sickness is generally thought to be caused by the rapid change in hormonal levels that occurs during the first weeks of pregnancy. Other causes of morning sickness may include low blood sugar, diet, emotional factors, strong smells, and certain foods. Most expecting mothers begin to feel better at the beginning of the second trimester. If you have severe and/or long-term nausea it’s important to consult a doctor.
If you are having morning sickness symptoms, such as nausea and indigestion, you may want to find something to help. After all, who likes to feel vomity all the time? Nobody! If you are experiencing morning sickness symptoms, there are a few practices you can do. You also can try Motherlove's newest herbal supplement, Morning Sickness Blend!
WHATS IN OUR MORNING SICKNESS BLEND?
As herbal experts in the industry, our new Morning Sickness Blend has the following powerful plants:
Herbs:
- Ginger: Ginger often used to help ease both morning sickness and seasickness. What makes ginger useful for helping with an upset stomach is its 6-shogaol compounds that are potent antioxidants. Ginger also has gingerol, which is known for being a useful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
- Raspberry Leaf: Raspberry leaf has been used by expecting mothers for centuries. Not only has raspberry leaf been known to help calm an upset stomach, but it contains important vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and E.
- Peppermint Leaf: Peppermint leaf has been used for centuries to calm an upset stomach. Peppermint contains chemical compounds that work as an anti-inflammatory and an anti-gas. So, if pregnancy is making you more gassy than usual, peppermint leaf may be able to help! Motherlove uses peppermint in our Morning Sickness Blend to soothe an upset stomach and fight nausea symptoms.
- Lemon Balm: Motherlove uses lemon balm for its anti-spasm and anti-gas properties. The plant contains both beta-caryophyllene and geraniol, which both are helpful chemical compounds to assist with nausea symptoms.
- Marshmallow Root: Marshmallow root is used in Motherlove's Morning Sickness Blend for its mucilaginous properties in the intestines. Marshmallow root may be useful in reducing internal symptoms of morning sickness, such as heartburn.
MOTHERS HAVE ALSO FOUND THE BELOW PRACTICES HELPFUL FOR MORNING SICKNESS:
Nutrition: Eat small frequent meals with complex carbohydrates and protein. Avoid high fat and junk foods. Eat a protein-rich snack before you go to bed. Low blood sugar in the morning can cause nausea so eat something before you get out of bed. Drink plenty of liquids and remember that it may be easier to drink a nutritious broth for some of your meals. Make sure you’re getting enough B vitamins. Some mothers are helped by a vitamin B6 supplement.
Homeopathy: Natural Healing For the Pregnant Woman, by Elizabeth Burch, lists many symptoms of nausea along with specific remedies for each. Common remedies for nausea include ipecac, sepia, nux vomica, and arsenicum. Consult a homeopathic practitioner and only take these remedies in a homeopathic form.
Flower Essences: Flower essences work on the emotions. They are made by placing flowers in a clear bowl filled with spring water and infusing them in sunlight for several hours. The finished water is usually preserved with brandy or some other type of alcohol. Bach flower essences are probably best known because of Edward Bach’s work in discovering their use of healing emotions. Mimulus and Scleranthus are two flower essences used for morning sickness. The Bach Centre recommends: “If you are pregnant we advise you dilute them (which reduces the amount of alcohol to trace levels) and consult your doctor or midwife if you have any concerns.”
Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy involves using a plant’s essential oils, which are normally very strong and should not be taken internally. Oils can be simply sniffed or used in a spritzer to relieve nausea, stress or headaches, or drops can be put on a handkerchief to inhale and use as a compress. Add a few drops of your favorite scent to a massage oil. Citrus smells help relax queasiness, so it may also be helpful to smell lemon slices.
Acupressure: Acupressure works by stimulating the energy meridians of the body, thus alleviating stress, increasing circulation, and relieving nausea and headaches. The acupressure points that control nausea are on the wrist, and in the hollow between the collarbones. Press and rub on these points throughout the day. Also, acupressure wrist bands are available in most drug stores for dealing with nausea and seasickness.
Relaxation: Fears or apprehensions you may have of parenthood can cause stress. There are many ways to relieve this and other types of stress, so take the time to find those that work best for you. Quiet time alone, reading, and exercise can help. Fresh air also does wonders to relieve nausea, so get outside and breathe or keep the windows open to encourage air circulation. Daily meditation is very helpful-bring your focus to a place of calm and centeredness repeating “I am peace.” Lay comfortably on the floor or bed and release any tension you have in your body. Start at your feet and work your way up to your body, tensing and releasing all your muscle tension. Be sure to release all that you are holding onto in your belly. There are also relaxation tapes available on the market.
Visualization: Is there anything in your life that is making you “sick to your stomach?” Visualize yourself moving through it and letting go. See yourself as the radiantly healthy being that you are, creating a perfect vehicle for the soul that has chosen you to be its mother. You are part of a miracle!
More Information: There are many books available if you want to pursue these recommendations further. We suggest the books listed under the category of “Women’s Health and Pregnancy” on our reference books page.
*This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a health care provider for care for your individual concerns. Talk with your health care provider before taking supplements and treatments during your pregnancy*
