Natural Treatments for Morning Sickness
Although it had long been considered the stuff of old wivestales and legend, using ginger as a remedy to treat morningsickness is rapidly earning a new respect. In new studies published in the journal Obstetrics andGynecology, doctors from ...
...the University of Adelaide in Australiaproved once again this natural remedy is an extremely effectivetreatment for the nausea and vomiting that affects up to 90% ofall pregnant women, usually in their first trimester. But whilemany doctors still remain "on the fence" about naturaltreatments, according to pregnancy researcher and author ColetteBouchez, the wisdom of "Mom" has long been on the side of MotherNature - particularly in the treatment of morning sickness. " When it comes to pregnancy, most women have incredibly sharpintuition and great natural instincts - they know when somethingis wrong, and they sure know when something is right, and gingerhas been one of those right remedies for generations," saysBouchez, the author of " Your Perfectly Pampered Pregnancy:Beauty, Health and Lifestyle Advice for the Modern Mother-to-Be" ( Broadway Books, NY). In the new research, Dr. Caroline Smith reports ginger wascompared to clinical doses of vitamin B6 (a common prescriptionfor morning sickness) and was found to be as effective. Althoughprevious animal studies have revealed a potential link betweenvery high levels of ginger and an increased risk of pregnancycomplications including miscarriage, Smith reports that herstudies found no such connection. She writes: "For women lookingfor a reduction in their nausea and vomiting. . . the use ofginger in early pregnancy will reduce the severity of theirsymptoms." Bouchez, who notes that 3 previous studies on ginger foundsimilar good results says ginger works thanks to two activeconstituents known as "gingerols" and "shogaols" , both of whichgive this plant it's pungent taste. Not coincidentally, she saysthese same compounds also work directly on the gastrointestinalsystem to reduce the activity linked to nausea and vomiting. If, however, you've tried ginger and it just doesn't seem tohelp you, Bouchez advises skipping the gingerale andgingersnaps, and go for the "real stuff" instead."There is some research to show that it is the properties foundin natural, fresh ginger that makes this a truly effectivetreatment - so when possible, buy some fresh ginger root and useto make a tea, or sprinkle it on your cereal or a bowl of freshfruit," says Bouchez. Six More Natural Treatments for Morning Sickness If, in fact, ginger just isn't your "cup of tea" according to"Your Perfectly Pampered Pregnancy", here are 6 more "natural"ways to beat morning sickness.1.Switch prenatal vitamins - or the time you take them. The highiron content can induce nausea in many pregnant women. Switchingto a low iron formula in the first trimester only (when the riskof anemia is very low) may squelch morning sickness. Also- takeyour vitamins late in the day, and skip the glass of water.Instead swallow your vitamin in a spoonful of pudding orapplesauce. 2. Limit fluid intake with meals. Instead drink between meals -and try other tummy-soothing beverages such as peppermint icedtea, or chamomile hot tea.3. Massage your pressure points by applying pressure on whatChinese medicine experts call the P6 Nei Guan nerve located inthe wrist. To stimulate this anti-nausea nerve use two fingersfrom your left hand to press the underside of your right arm twoinches above your wrist. Hold for up to 6o seconds and repeat asneeded. 4. Rise and shine . . . slowly. Whether it's getting up in themorning or after a nap, rising too quickly can throw offequilibrium and contribute to the queasies.5. Have Breakfast in Bed. If you've heard that dry crackers is atreatment for morning sickness, you heard right - but the trickis to eat them in bed, twenty to thirty minutes before rising -and don't drink any liquids, especially water, while munching. 6. Scent Your Hankies! To sidestep nausea caused by smells andodors outside your home, tuck a hankie doused with a combinationof lavender and peppermint oil into a small plastic bag and keepin your purse. At the first hint of nausea, hold the hankie toyour nose and breathe deep for almost instant nausea relief. For more free tips on natural pregnancy remedies visithttp://www.PamperingMom.com
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