Many pregnant women experience vomiting during pregnancy, causing fatigue in their first trimester.
“All of these are normal symptoms,” says Dr Anita Sabherwal, Ob-Gyn at Sitaram Bhartia.
“Morning sickness is just a passing phase for most women which settles by the time the second trimester begins. “
“Remember, vomiting during pregnancy does not affect your baby’s development.”
How to Control Vomiting During Pregnancy
Expecting women often find the following tips effective in reducing or stopping vomiting in pregnancy.
1. Eat bland, dry food to reduce vomiting during pregnancy
“Switch to eating bland, dry food if you’re unable to eat other foods in the first trimester” suggests Dr Anita.
“If you have trouble drinking plain water, try roohafza, lemonade, light green tea/ herbal teas or fruit infused water to help you feel better. “
You should also avoid eating any heavy, oily, or spicy food, whether at home or from outside.
2. Space out your meals
Instead of eating large meals, you could opt for smaller meals every 2-3 hours.
You could snack on salted crackers or munch on roasted gram (chana) if you feel hungry.
Try to maintain a balance – avoid overeating – and staying hungry because an empty stomach may make you feel more nauseous.
Also Read: What You Need to Know about Your Pregnancy Diet Chart (2nd and 3rd Trimester)
3. Use lemons to ease discomfort
You can sniff lemon peels or suck on lemons to help curb feelings of nausea.
Another option would be to squeeze lemon juice in water and drink it when you feel like vomiting.
4. Stay well-rested to reduce fatigue
“If you need to lie down and rest, then just lie down and rest” advises Dr. Anita.
“Go to bed early and sleep about 8-10 hours in the first trimester so you feel energetic the next morning.”
“You could also take short naps during the day to make up for a shortfall of sleep during the night.”
5. Step out of the house when possible
When you feel sick all the time, it’s difficult to imagine stepping out of the house.
“Going for a short walk outside or sitting in a park when it’s not too hot may help you feel better – and give you a change from the stuffy indoors” says Dr Anita.
“You can gradually increase this and walk for about 45 minutes daily in the second and third trimester. “
Engaging in physical activity or exercise during pregnancy will keep you fit and build stamina for labour.
Medication for morning sickness is not necessary. If you experience severe vomiting during pregnancy throughout the day, and are unable to retain any food or drink, consult your doctor.
This article has been written with Dr. Anita Sabherwal Anand, Consultant, Obstetrician-Gynecologist at Sitaram Bhartia Hospital in South Delhi. Dr. Anita is a highly qualified gynecologist with 20+ years of experience who is trusted by low-risk and high-risk mothers alike for her guidance on having a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
Seek expert advice from our expert gynaecologists. Come in for an in-person consultation or book a tele-consult. Please call on +91 9871001458 to schedule your appointment.
