Morning sickness, the condition that affects roughly three-quarters of pregnant women during the first trimester, in a word, SUCKS. When I was a few weeks pregnant, I ended up puking in a barrel in an underground subway station in New York City — I was wearing heels and lipstick, and it wasn't pretty.
There's light at the end of the tunnel, though: About half of pregnant women who get nausea during pregnancy feel complete relief by 14 weeks, though it can take another month or so for the queasiness to ease up, leaving mamas-to-be feeling helpless and anxious — or not?
Now I know the last thing you want to think about is eating when your stomach is upset, but newsflash, these foods kick morning sickness to the curb!
Add a wedge of lemon to a morning cup of tea, says Rachel Albaum, RD, CDE (Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator). "Lemon is considered to be an anti-inflammatory agent, which is 'calming' on the body. The yellow citrus fruit is ideal to use in the treatment of gas, bloating, and nausea — all common symptoms that occur during early pregnancy."
Albaum also cautions: Don't skip breakfast. "Hormonal changes, such as an increase in estrogen and progesterone, occur to support pregnancy and are the main culprits that point to morning sickness. Carbohydrates that are soluble and easily digestible such as oatmeal help to alleviate nausea because the bland morning staple assists in raising blood sugar levels at an appropriate rate." (Quaker Oats makes yummy instant oatmeal that can be prepared 1-2-3 in the microwave.)
Try ginger jam on a piece of wheat toast too. According to WHfoods.com, "In a recent study, ginger was shown to be far superior to Dramamine. Ginger reduces all symptoms associated with morning sickness including dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and cold sweating."
What are you eating for breakfast these pregnant days?
