Nausea is one of the most frequent symptoms in the first few months of pregnancy. Almost 80% of future moms report having felt some kind of nausea or dizziness at the beginning of their pregnancy. You must also remember that the absence of nausea doesn’t mean that something is wrong with your pregnancy.

 Types of nausea

The word nausea or the term morning sickness is used to describe the discomfort and dizziness that most women feel during the first months of pregnancy. However, the types of nausea experienced may vary. Some future moms experience morning sickness, others may feel nausea, and some dizziness that might make them have to catch their breath or sit for a few minutes. There are also women who feel like vomiting, and others who actually vomit, in the morning or at any time throughout the day.

Although it’s common to experience morning sickness, it can strike at any time during the day. In the mornings, after a long period of fasting, nausea may be at its worst.

If you are one of those women who suffer nausea during pregnancy remember that you are not alone. 80% of women experience nausea with a gag reflex with or without vomiting during at least part of their pregnancy. Women, who don’t suffer from any stomach problems during pregnancy, or only occasional queasiness, are the exception and not the rule.

Emotional state

The constant feeling of nausea with or without vomiting may be very difficult to live with because it prevents you from leading your normal life. However eager you may have been to have a baby, these pregnancy symptoms will probably make you feel very bad and have you thinking about how you are going to get through the rest of the pregnancy under these conditions.

Don’t worry, because these feelings are totally normal and many future moms suffering nausea experience them often. It’s important not to forget, that except in very rare cases, they are a temporary situation in the first trimester and that you will soon start feeling better.

There is also a belief that suggests that a pregnancy with nausea is a sign of a healthy pregnancy. But if you don’t have these symptoms and yet your doctor tells you that everything is fine, you shouldn’t worry at all. On the contrary, enjoy not having the discomfort because your first trimester will be easier for you.

When to talk to your doctor

Feeling nauseated and even experiencing some vomiting during the first trimester is normal, nevertheless, when the nausea is severe and is accompanied by frequent vomiting, it’s important that you tell your doctor.

Contact your doctor immediately if you have been unable to keep anything down including fluids for the last 24 hours. This might be a sign of dehydration.

Another symptom that you must watch out for is dehydration. If you are going to the bathroom less and your urine is dark, this could be a sign of dehydration. Dry eyes and mouth and feeling weak are also symptoms of dehydration.

Remedies for nausea

Although suffering some type of nausea, dizziness or vomiting during the first trimester may be unavoidable there are certain steps you can take to make this period easier.

One of the worst moments for most women who suffer nausea is in the morning, just after waking up. An empty stomach might make you feel worse. You may feel relief by eating a snack right before bed and having one ready by your bedside table to eat as soon as you wake up. Many future moms find relief eating crackers, although any food your stomach tolerates will do.

Also, try to avoid having an empty stomach during the day and eat small but frequent meals or snacks. Foods that are digested slowly, like complex carbohydrates can help you prevent nausea. Foods like potatoes, pasta, breads or cereals are easy to digest and therefore may be of help.

Identify those things that make you feel sick. There are women who can’t stand certain smells during pregnancy because they trigger nausea. If you know what these smells are, try to anticipate them. For example, don’t go to places where people may be smoking, avoid certain perfumes or ask your husband to change the mouthwash he uses.

If you can’t avoid these smells, carry something in your purse to counteract them. Many future moms find the smell of fresh lemon very pleasing. Carry lemon or lime slices in your purse in a Ziploc bag and bring it to your nose if you find yourself in a situation you can’t “escape” from.

In spite of people’s well-intentioned advice, avoid home remedies and herbs. Even if they may seem harmless, some herbs and remedies may cause problems with your pregnancy and are not recommended. If your nausea doesn’t improve no matter what you do, talk to your doctor. Perhaps he can give you some type of medication to alleviate it.