Eating with Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is experienced by the vast majority of pregnant women and typically intensifies between weeks 6-12. It can occur at any time of day, not just mornings. In most cases, it decreases toward weeks 14-16 — but going through this process is really tough and you're doing an amazing job.

To help relieve nausea, eating a few dry crackers or plain cookies before getting out of bed can be helpful. Eating small, frequent meals (5-6 small meals a day) keeps the stomach from being empty. Avoiding fatty, spicy, and strong-smelling foods and preferring cold foods can make a difference.

Ginger is a scientifically supported food for reducing nausea. Fresh ginger tea, ginger cookies, or ginger capsules with doctor's approval can be tried. Vitamin B6 can also help relieve nausea — at your doctor's recommended dose.

Symptoms like being unable to keep any food or liquid down, not passing urine for more than 12 hours, weight loss, dark-colored urine, or dizziness may indicate hyperemesis gravidarum. Vomiting a few times a day on its own is common and is often part of ordinary pregnancy sickness. In this case, contacting your doctor for peace of mind is best — intravenous fluid support may be needed and seeking help is completely natural.