By Contributor: Jonsaba Jabbi
One of the everyday experiences an expectant mother may experience during pregnancy is the dreaded "morning sickness."
Morning sickness typically shows up between the sixth week and the second month of pregnancy. Despite the name, morning sickness doesn't just happen in the morning. For some women, it's all day long.
But don't fret! Rest assured, we've gathered the best tips for combatting morning, noon and night sickness during the first few weeks of pregnancy.
Tip #1: Know what you're dealing with!
So what is morning sickness anyway? According to WhattoExpect.com, morning sickness is nausea and vomiting that occurs when a woman is pregnant. 3 in 4 pregnant women will experience morning sickness, so expect to deal with this. Morning sickness typically shows up between the sixth week and the second month of pregnancy. Some women don't experience it all, while it can be severe and debilitating for others.
Tip #2: Don't be afraid to ask for help
If it's your first pregnancy, chances are you are still trying to figure it all out. But you don't need to do it alone. Ask your doctor or midwife all the questions you have. Remember, they are here to help you and make your pregnancy as smooth and manageable as possible.
Tip #3: Make use of remedies you have at home
Treat your morning sickness with things you can find in your kitchen cabinet. According to the book Back to Eden by Jethro Kloss, Spearmint and Red Raspberry teas are excellent for relieving nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness. You can actually drink Red Raspberry Tea throughout your pregnancy as it's an aid for labour. In addition to some household remedies, don't forget to eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables such as grapes, beets, lettuce, figs, apples, and spinach. Choose your favourites!
Tip #4: Take a bath….a sitz bath, that is!
A sitz bath, also known as a half bath, is one of the most practical self-care activities to incorporate while pregnant, especially during morning sickness. Sitz baths are known to relieve many pregnancy symptoms and ailments and keep your blood flow in good circulation. All you have to do is fill up your bathtub, washtub or basin up to your abdomen (or fill it up with 3-4 inches of water) with warm water and then soak for 15-30 mins. Although unnecessary, you can also add some Epsom salt for added benefits. You can use a washtub, a large basin or even a sitz bath seat you can put on top of your toilet seat. But your bathtub will do just fine if you don't have any of these things! Do this at least 2-3 times a week. Plus–sitz baths are an excellent way to manage lower-body soreness (hint, hint) after your baby arrives!
Tip #5: Take it easy and get some rest
Pregnancy is one of the most life-changing experiences because it also taxes the human body. So make sure you take it easy and get some rest while your body adjusts to the neverending changes during this exciting time in your life. Reduce or slow down your schedule where you can, and ask family and friends for help with physical tasks. Try to get to bed early and create spaces that encourage calm, relaxation and peace–whatever that looks like for you.
Contributor Jonsaba Jabbi is a writer, community archivist & historian and co-founder of Building A Black Archive, a grassroots community archive dedicated to building Black archives in Canada. She is a communications professional who has worked in the nonprofit sector for the last decade with organizations specializing in environmental justice, community arts, youth homelessness and the heritage sector.
