Actionsets help people take an active role in managing a health condition.  Pregnancy: Dealing with morning sickness

A Healthwise ArticleYou are viewing a text article by Healthwise entitled "Pregnancy: Dealing with morning sickness."
This article was last updated on 11/28/2008.
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Introduction

For many women, the toughest part of early pregnancy is morning sickness. If you are suffering from nausea, vomiting, or both, you need safe measures that will bring you some relief. Your best course of action for managing morning sickness is home treatment. By following a few proven guidelines, you are likely to gain significant relief from nausea and vomiting. Home treatment measures for morning sickness include:

  • Changing what, when, and how much you eat.
  • Taking ginger, vitamin B6, or vitamin B12, which are known to reduce nausea and/or vomiting during pregnancy.
  • Avoiding foods and smells that make you feel sick.
  • Trying acupressure, which seems to work for some women.
  • Taking doxylamine with vitamin B6, which you can buy without a prescription. Talk to your doctor before taking this remedy.

If you have severe, persistent nausea and vomiting, see your doctor or nurse-midwife immediately. This uncommon complication of pregnancy can lead to dehydration and malnutrition, sometimes requiring prescribed medicine or hospitalization.

What? - What is the medical information or key concepts related to the action? What is morning sickness?
Why? - Why the action is important? Why use home treatment for morning sickness?
How? - Learn the steps involved in taking action. How can I manage morning sickness at home?
Where? - Other resources and organizations that can help you take action Where to go from here

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Author: Sandy Jocoy, RNLast Updated: November 28, 2008
Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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