May

Common Pregnancy Ailments – Nutrition and Morning Sickness

The misnamed Morning Sickness is one of the most common ailments of pregnancy, and can be, in fact the first indication of pregnancy to some women.

Most women suffer from morning sickness at some point during their first trimester. And it can occur at any time of the day – not only in the morning.

The main cause of pregnancy nausea is thought to be the hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), which is produced in large quantities until your placenta takes over the functions of maintaining and nourishing the pregnancy.

It is for this reason that pregnant mothers are often told that sickness will resolve at around 12 to 14 weeks.

However, morning sickness can continue throughout your whole pregnancy.

If you are at all worried then see your Midwife or GP about your continuing sickness.

If you are tired, hungry, stressed or anxious the nausea may be much worse, and if you are expecting twins or triplets you may vomit more often because you have higher levels of pregnancy hormones.

Other possible explanations for nausea can be from where the body was detoxing or where there are problems maintaining the blood sugar balance.

Nutritionally speaking there are things you can do to help quell the nausea.

Always try to eat breakfast, preferably containing some protein such as yogurt or soya. If you can’t face eating – try a smoothie and add a little yogurt to it. Even if you manage a little something, it is better than nothing!
Eat small meals with snacks of fruit and seeds.
Avoid refined and sugary foods and high-fat junk food that contain a lot additives and preservatives.
Drink plenty of water between meals and avoid or decrease your caffeine and alcohol intake.
Take a good multivitamin that has substantial levels of the B vitamins and zinc. Cytoplan’s Family Formula is a good place to start.
The Tissue Salt Nat Phos (no 10) is very good for helping quell the feeling of nausea (New Era are not suitable for vegans)
If the sickness persists then take 50mg of vitamin B6 twice a day and between 200 and 500g of Magnesium once a day until it subsides.