Morning sickness is one of the most common and challenging symptoms in early pregnancy. For gestational surrogates, it can sometimes appear earlier due to medications like progesterone taken before embryo transfer. Although the severity and duration vary from person to person, there are many practical strategies that can help reduce discomfort and improve your daily well-being.
Here are ten effective ways to alleviate morning sickness:
1. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can make nausea worse. Sip fluids throughout the day—water, herbal teas, or electrolyte drinks can all help. If plain water feels unappealing, try infusing it with lemon, cucumber, or a touch of ginger.
2. Eat Small, Frequent Meals
Rather than sticking to three large meals, aim for smaller, more frequent snacks. Keeping your blood sugar steady and avoiding an empty stomach can significantly reduce nausea.
3. Choose Simple, Bland Foods
When nausea strikes, go for foods that are easy on the stomach. Crackers, toast, plain rice, or bananas are often well tolerated. Avoid greasy, spicy, or heavily seasoned meals that can trigger nausea.
4. Try Ginger and Peppermint
Both ginger and peppermint have natural anti-nausea properties. Ginger tea, ginger chews, or even ginger ale can be soothing. Peppermint tea or inhaling peppermint oil may also bring relief.
5. Identify and Avoid Triggers
Strong cooking smells, perfumes, or certain foods may worsen your symptoms. Notice what triggers your nausea and try to avoid those situations whenever possible.
6. Rest and Relaxation
Fatigue can intensify morning sickness. Prioritize rest and short naps when possible. Relaxation practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle prenatal yoga can help ease both stress and nausea.
7. Consider Vitamin B6
Research shows that vitamin B6 may help reduce pregnancy-related nausea. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting supplements to confirm the right dosage and safety for your situation.
8. Use Acupressure Bands
Acupressure wristbands, often used for motion sickness, can also help with morning sickness. They apply gentle pressure to a specific point on the wrist that may reduce nausea.
9. Stay Upright After Eating
Lying down immediately after meals can make nausea worse. Stay upright for at least an hour after eating. If you need to rest, use pillows to keep your upper body elevated.
10. Explore Safe Remedies and Professional Guidance
Some over-the-counter options—such as digestive aids, motion sickness remedies, or lozenges designed for pregnancy—may provide relief. However, not all products are safe during pregnancy, so it’s important to talk to your doctor or case manager before trying them.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If morning sickness becomes severe, persistent, or leads to dehydration and weight loss, consult your healthcare provider promptly. Medical treatment may be necessary, and safe prescription medications are available.
Conclusion
Morning sickness can be difficult, but it is usually temporary and manageable. By experimenting with these strategies, you may find what works best for your body. And remember—you are not alone. Whether you are a surrogate or an expectant mother, reaching out to your medical team for support is always the right choice.
🌿 Need Extra Support?
If you are considering becoming a gestational surrogate or are already on your journey, our team at Ivy Surrogacy is here to help. From managing pregnancy symptoms to providing personalized care, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way. 👉 Contact us today to learn more.
