Natural Treatment Options for Nausea & Vomiting in Pregnancy
Between 50 and 90 percent of pregnant individuals experience nausea, with or without vomiting, in the first half of pregnancy. The duration and severity of symptoms varies person to person but symptoms typically develop by 5-6 weeks of gestation and begin improving by 16-18 weeks of gestation.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is the medical term to describe even more severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Individuals with HG typically vomit multiple times per day and are unable to keep solids or liquids down. These individuals are at risk for dehydration and vitamin & mineral deficiencies if not treated properly and in time.
Typical treatment options for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy include Ondansetron (Zofran), which is the most common antiemetic used in pregnancy, Promethazine (Phenergan), and Metoclopramide (Reglan). Another commonly recommended non-prescription medication is diphenhydramine (Benadryl) which is an antihistamine that can be used to relieve pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.
Some natural treatment options include making dietary changes and avoiding triggers. Eating a BRAT diet (banana, rice, applesauce, toast) helps many people in the earlier weeks of gestation. Diet can greatly vary depending on person to person so it’s important to notice what triggers your nausea. Try eating as soon as you feel hungry to avoid having an empty stomach. Eat multiple small meals throughout the day and stick to foods that are high in protein.
Avoiding triggers is important and this also varies person to person. Some common triggers are odors (foods, perfumes, coffee, smoke), spicy foods, sugary foods, stuffy rooms, sleep deprivation, heat, noise, and physical motion (driving). Making sure that the environment around you is comforting and trigger-free is key.
Other complimentary treatments include acupuncture, which many find very helpful throughout their pregnancy journey. There are many acupressure points that can be stimulated to help relieve your nausea for the few days after treatment.
Essential oils have been helpful for many as well. Smelling ginger, peppermint, lavender, or lemon essential oils throughout the day has shown to relieve nausea and pregnancy. Whether this is placebo effect or not is less important if it is helping. Make sure to ask your doctor if it is beneficial to use essential oils during pregnancy as some may be harmful to the baby.
The rhizomes of Zingiber officinalis (ginger) have been used for centuries as a traditional remedy for many GI complaints. Ginger appears on the US Food and Drug Administration generally recognized as safe list and is included in the pharmacopeias of many Western countries (1). The major pharmacological activity of ginger appears to be attributed to gingerols and shogaols, which are the dehydrated products of gingerols. There are many ginger-containing products on the market these days that are targeted towards alleviating nausea and vomiting. Here are some of my favorites:
GIN GINS by The Ginger People: https://gingerpeople.com/products/gin-gins-original-ginger-chews/
Ginger tea by Yogi: https://yogiproducts.com/teas/yogi-teas/ginger/
Morning Ease lozenges by Traditional Medicinals: https://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/collections/lozenges/products/morning-ease-lemon-ginger-lozenges
Preggie Pops: https://threelollies.com/products/preggie-pops-variety/
If you think you are experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum, it’s important to see a physician for treatment as you may be at risk for dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and weight loss. And as always, talk to your provider before starting any new treatments while you are pregnant.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4818021/