Hyperemesis gravidarum is basically and extreme form of morning sickness. It is characterized by nausea, vomiting and the loss of 5 or more percent of total body weight. Anyone who’s had hyperemesis knows it can greatly limit your ability to even function while pregnant. While I cannot promise a cure for your symptoms hopefully something here will help alleviate them at least a little. First and most important you should consult your doctor. They will be able to offer you advice and tell you what medications may help you.
Adjusting the way you eat is an easy way to help deter nausea. Instead of eating a few large meals throughout the day try to eat many small meals. As soon as you wake eat a few crackers or piece of toast or something similar. Then before you get hungry again have something else. You don’t have to alter your diet too much while pregnant just try to eat a well balanced diet and choose healthier options when available. So go ahead and enjoy a small breakfast or something else if you prefer. A couple hours later try and eat a piece of fruit or yogurt or something light just to keep your stomach from emptying. An empty stomach can make your queasiness worse. Try and eat every 2-3 hours even if its something light and small. Fruit, a half sandwich, some cheese and crackers, whatever sounds appealing to you.
Another important part of a pregnant woman’s diet is pre-natal vitamins. If you are having trouble keeping yours down call your doctor and see if they can prescribe you something different. Also look for ginger pre-natal vitamins. These are said to be a lot easier on the stomach. A good trick to taking pre-natals is to take them while you’re eating. Start a meal and then before you finish take the vitamin and then go back to eating. A lot of women are bothered by taking them on an empty stomach. By taking them after you eat you risk tasting them again many times until your next meal. By sandwiching them within your meal you avoid both of these dilemmas.
Tums also helps control nausea very simply. It can help alleviate that churning in your stomach caused by stomach acid. You don’t have to have heartburn for this to be useful for you. They also make medicated suckers that you can pick up at most maternity stores or online that are said to decrease morning sickness.
Crystallized ginger root is something you can pick up in the spice aisle of your local supermarket. This is to be eaten just like candy. Another candy you can try is peppermint. Both of these can be easily toted around with you and taken whenever you’re feeling a little green. And you don’t have to worry about eating too much of either.
There are many ways to manage your nausea while pregnant but these are a few things that I’ve tried or that friends have recommended. Things tested by me or people I trust so I know they work. Any relief while suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum is a welcome one I promise.
