What to do after vomiting during pregnancy

Dehydration: A condition that happens when the body does not have as much water as it needs.

Fetus: The stage of human development beyond 8 completed weeks after fertilization.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can lead to loss of weight and body fluids.

Intravenous (IV) Line: A tube inserted into a vein and used to deliver medication or fluids.

Multiple Pregnancy: A pregnancy where there are 2 or more fetuses.

Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy: A condition that occurs in early pregnancy, usually starting before 9 weeks of pregnancy.

Nutrients: Nourishing substances found in food, such as vitamins and minerals.

Obstetric Care Provider: A health care professional who cares for a woman during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. These professionals include obstetrician–gynecologists (ob-gyns), certified nurse–midwives (CNMs), maternal–fetal medicine specialists (MFMs), and family practice doctors with experience in maternal care.

Obstetrician–Gynecologist (Ob-Gyn): A doctor with special training and education in women’s health.

Thyroid Gland: A butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck in front of the windpipe. This gland makes, stores, and releases thyroid hormone, which controls the body’s metabolism and regulates how parts of the body work.

Most women will not experience excessive vomiting, but many will have some discomfort due to nausea.

Here are some tips for minimizing the unpleasant symptoms of nausea during pregnancy.

1) Get plenty of rest

It is important to get a good night´s sleep. Napping during the day may help too, but not straight after a meal, as this can increase nausea.

For those who work night shifts, it may help to wear a sleep mask or use blackout curtains to block out as much light as possible.

As time goes on and the body changes shape, a maternity body pillow may help your back and abdomen.

Go to bed early and wake up early, so you can take time to get out of bed.

Do not use sleeping pills unless a doctor prescribes them.

2) Eat with care

Fatty and spicy foods and caffeine increase the chance of triggering the release of stomach acid, especially as the pregnancy progresses and the fetus pushes against the digestive tract. Bland foods may be less aggravating.

Small portion sizes can help reduce the chance of vomiting but keep something in the stomach. Having an empty stomach can worsen the feelings of nausea. The stomach produces acids, but they have nothing to work on, except for the stomach lining. This adds to the feelings of nausea.

Having some salty crackers or a protein snack before getting out of bed in the morning may help.

At breakfast, cold apple sauce, pears, bananas or any citrus fruit will help you feel satisfied early. The fruit’s potassium may help prevent morning sickness.

Carbohydrates can help. Baked potatoes, rice, and dry toast are often suitable options.

At night, eating a high-protein snack before going to bed will help regulate your blood-glucose levels during the night.

Eat food cold to reduce the smells experienced when eating.

3) Keep physically and mentally active

Being physically active has been found to improve symptoms in women who experience nausea during pregnancy.

Keeping busy can help take your mind off the feelings of nausea. Reading a book, doing puzzles, watching television, playing cards, or going for short walks around the block will help to keep you preoccupied.

4) Ensure good fluid intake

It is important to stay hydrated for good health, especially during pregnancy.

It may be hard to consume eight glasses of water a day while experiencing nausea, but dehydration can aggravate feelings of nausea.

Adding apple cider vinegar and honey to water may make it more palatable.

Sucking ice cubes made from water or fruit juice is also an effective method.

5) Ginger and peppermint teas

Ginger has long been used to aid digestion and reduce abdominal discomfort. Studies show that it may also help relieve the symptoms of nausea.

Other options are to sip cold ginger ale or to add a slice of raw ginger to water or tea.

Snacks such as gingerbread, or ginger cookies may also help.

Peppermint tea may also help settle the stomach.

6) Wear loose and comfortable clothing

Restrictive or tight clothing may worsen the symptoms of nausea. Women who experience nausea during pregnancy have fewer symptoms of nausea when they wear loose-fitting clothes.

7) Vitamins and supplements

Supplements should only be used under a doctor’s supervision. If you are taking vitamins, it may be best to take them before bed and with a snack.

Vitamin B6 may help reduce nausea.

Iron supplements that are prescribed during pregnancy can sometimes lead to nausea. A doctor may recommend a slower-release form or a lower dosage. Take iron supplements with orange juice or another drink with Vitamin C to increase absorption.

8) Avoid computer monitor flicker

A computer monitor flickers rapidly and almost unnoticeably. This may contribute to morning sickness.

If it is not possible to avoid using a computer monitor, it may help to adjust the screen by making the fonts bold and larger and changing the background to a soft tan or pink color. This will help reduce eye strain.

9) Avoid triggers

Morning sickness is linked to an increased sensitivity to smell.

Some strong smells can worsen the symptoms, but scents such as lemon extract and rosemary may help.

An individual will learn to recognize which triggers bring on an episode of nausea, and they can avoid these as far as possible.

10) Help for acid reflux

Sometimes, the nausea and vomiting may be due to acid reflux.

A doctor may be able to recommend antacid medication to take before going to bed to reduce stomach acid levels, and the subsequent morning vomiting.

Always check with a doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy.

Alternative therapies such as acupressure may help. Applying pressure on specific points on the body may help control symptoms. It may involve wearing a motion-sickness band on the forearm.

The feelings of nausea do not happen only in the morning. Most women find they ease as the day goes on, but, for some women, they may continue all day.

Nausea during pregnancy is normally associated with an increase in estrogen levels, low blood sugar counts, and a greater susceptibility to some smells.

The exact reason is unknown, but factors may include:

• a rise in hormones, especially estrogen, progesterone, human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), and cholecystokinin, leading to changes in digestive activity
• a fall in blood sugar, resulting from the placenta’s need for energy

Another theory on what contributes to nausea in early pregnancy is related to the sense of smell. A woman’s sense of smell is more sensitive in pregnancy, and this could increase the feelings of nausea.

It is most likely to occur during the first 3 months of pregnancy, and it often subsides once into the second trimester.

Research has suggested that nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are a good sign, and they are associated with a lower risk of pregnancy loss.

Excessive vomiting during pregnancy is known as hyperemesis gravidarum. It can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and weight loss.

It affects around 1 in every 300 women during pregnancy, usually only during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.

A woman should see a doctor if:

• she loses more than 2 pounds in weight
• she vomits blood, which may be red or black
• she vomits more than four times in one day
• she is unable to keep fluids down for more than one day

The doctor may recommend dietary changes, plenty of rest and the use of antacids. In severe cases, the patient may need to receive fluids and nutrition intravenously.

The American Pregnancy Association (APA) suggest eating:

• Cold foods
• Plain fruits and vegetables
• Bland foods, such as chicken soup

As snacks, the APA recommend:

• pretzels
• Jell-O
• flavoured popsicles
• Preggie Pops, a kind of candy in different flavors such as mint, lemon, and ginger, designed to reduce the sensation of nausea

Medications are not recommended as they may have unexpected adverse effects during pregnancy. Speak to a doctor about non-medicinal remedies for morning sickness.

There's no question morning sickness stinks, but scientists aren't entirely sure why it happens. It seems that pregnancy trips the part of the brain that controls vomiting, which leads to nausea. The quease may also be linked to increases in some hormones (such as estrogen) and your heightened sense of smell—Mother Nature's way of protecting your baby. "Your body uses odors to assess safety," explains Miriam Erick, M.S., R.D.N., author of Managing Morning Sickness. "Sensing rotten food saves you from eating something bad." But that sensitive nose can make perfectly safe meals a no-go as well. Here, we rounded up the best foods to eat when nauseous or throwing up in pregnancy.

Bryan McCay

Stash a box of crackers in your bedside table and nibble a few as soon as you wake, since eating early in the day can help stave off morning sickness. "An empty stomach ups nausea," Erick explains. And not every cracker is alike—"the saltier, the better," she adds. Saltines will never taste so good — and after pregnancy, you'll wonder why they were so appealing.

• 15 Tips for Dealing With Morning Sickness

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If you're suffering from morning sickness, keep lemons on hand. Sniff them, squeeze them in drinking water, or even lick slices—the refreshing smell and taste can calm your stomach when nausea hits. Lemon drops can help, too, so stash some in your bag before leaving the house.

A root commonly used in Chinese medicine, ginger is one of the best foods to eat when nauseous. Try ginger teas and sodas, ginger-infused ice pops, crystallized ginger candy, or ginger snaps. Better yet, add some fresh ginger into your recipes.

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To combat nausea, try reaching for cold foods. Hot bites are more likely to have an aroma that triggers your gag reflex. Some yummy options include sorbet, yogurt, popsicles, chilled fruits, or ice cream.

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Studies have shown that B6 can reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. The vitamin is found in pork, chicken, some fish, fortified cereals, nuts, chickpeas, fortified tofu, turkey, bananas, potatoes, plenty of vegetables, and more. Talk to your doctor before taking any B6 supplements.

• When Does Morning Sickness Start and End?

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Research shows that protein-rich foods—like beef, poultry, fish and eggs—can keep nausea at bay while replenishing your energy. And don't worry if you have an aversion to meat while pregnant; you can find natural sources of protein like nuts, beans, and Greek yogurt.

Brie Passano

Most people can stomach a banana when fighting morning sickness. The nausea-reducing fruit also provides nutrients and potassium to refuel your pregnant body.

Pretzels and plain potato chips can help settle your stomach. Why? Because they're bland, salty, non-acidic, easy to digest, and require minimal effort from your gastrointestinal system.

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Cereal usually doesn't have a nausea-triggering smell or taste. Choose one that's fortified with minerals and vitamins for some added nutrition, and avoid cereals that are jam-packed with added sugars.

Some experts recommend eating unsweetened applesauce when nauseous or after throwing up. If you don't want to buy applesauce, try making your own at home.

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Staying hydrated is key to settling your stomach and rehydrating your body after throwing up. And while water is always a great choice, pregnancy-safe herbal teas (like red raspberry, lemon, spearmint, peppermint, peach, or chamomile) can provide some added nausea-relieving benefits. Take small sips so you don't set off the nausea.

Andrew Zimmern

Not only does broth go down easily, it also contains electrolytes to prevent dehydration—a common side effect of throwing up.

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Thanks to its high water content, watermelon can also fight dehydration if you're throwing up. Not in the mood to eat? Try drinking a refreshing glass of watermelon juice instead!

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