Pregnancy Nausea: If you’re living on toast and crackers – you’re not alone!

Pregnancy nausea is an unwelcome but often unavoidable companion for many expectant mothers. In fact, up to 90% of pregnant women experience nausea, especially during the first months. However, the timing and severity can vary greatly. For some, it’s just mild discomfort in the morning or evening, while others struggle with frequent vomiting and extreme nausea all day long.

You may find that your stomach turns at the sight (or even the thought) of certain foods. Toast, crackers, pasta, flaky croissants, and, well… basically all white carbs might make up most of your diet when nausea is at its peak, and vomiting feels like an endless ride. And that’s totally okay! Vegetables? No way. Just the smell of steamed broccoli might send you straight to the couch in a fetal position.

While pregnancy nausea can be exhausting, it is generally harmless for both mom and baby. However, if you can’t keep any food or fluids down, it’s important to pay attention. In rare cases, extreme nausea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and weight loss - a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which may require medical treatment or, in severe cases, hospitalization. Fortunately, this only affects about 1% of pregnant women.

So, if you’re currently surviving on crackers and cola, and the thought of a ‘normal’ meal makes you want to cry a little inside - you're not alone. It may feel hopeless right now, but it will pass. And until then? Eat what you can, rest as much as possible, and be kind to yourself.

Here are eight loving tips to help keep nausea at bay during pregnancy:

🌿 Keep your blood sugar stable. Eat small meals throughout the day and avoid getting too hungry or too full.

😴 Prioritize rest. Sleep or rest whenever you can - it can really help ease nausea.

💧 Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Applying magnesium to your skin, such as with Rest roll-on, can help regulate fluid balance and even improve sleep.

🛏 Keep a snack by your bed. Crackers or a few almonds can be lifesavers in the morning before you get up.

🍋 Drink your vitamins. If solid food is hard to stomach, juice can be a great way to get nutrients. Ice cubes can also help with nausea.

💪 Try acupressure or motion sickness bands. These can be purchased at the pharmacy. You can also press gently on the point between the two tendons on your inner wrist, about two thumb widths above the wrist crease.

🩺 Consider acupuncture. Many hospitals and clinics offer this for pregnancy nausea—talk to your doctor about your options.

📞 Seek medical help for severe nausea. If you can’t keep anything down and feel weak or dehydrated, contact your doctor. In rare cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

Hang in there - you’re doing a good job! 💛