Morning Sickness Can Be Difficult, But Manageable

For some women, morning sickness hits morning, noon and night.

Research shows it is actually a sign that the pregnancy is developing like it should. Some people try to make you feel better, saying it usually goes away after the first trimester. But that does not do you any good when you are nauseous. So here are a few home remedies that really work.

Eating may be the last thing you want to do, but it can help. Most women feel at their worst when they are hungry, so small frequent meals and snacks are your best weapons in preventing morning sickness.

"She can have crackers by the bedside table -- go ahead and eat a few crackers before she gets up and starts doing her morning activities, and she will probably find the morning sickness is not nearly as bad," says Robert Littleton, an obstetrician at Rex Hospital.

Doctors do not know why, but cinnamon and ginger also seem to ease nausea. Even if you are not getting sick, excessive saliva can make you feel just as miserable.

"If you flavor that with lemon drops or peppermint, sometimes that will help," says Littleton.

If nothing seems to work, your obstetrician will likely prescribe something for you. These medications will not harm the baby. Becoming dehydrated and not eating can.

"We would much rather a patient take this medication than run their body in starvation mode," says Littleton.

Only about 15 percent of pregnant women get to the point where they need medication. A lot of women ask about herbal remedies. Be sure to ask your doctor before trying anything.

It may be natural, but even natural things can harm your baby. Large doses of Vitamin C, for instance, can cause birth defects, so it pays to be extra cautious.