Morning sickness: What to do when it won’t go away

The thing that makes morning sickness halfway tolerable during pregnancy is its relatively short timeline. For the 80 percent of expectant moms who suffer through it, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Nausea and vomiting ease up typically once the first trimester is through – leaving moms-to-be feeling healthy and energized. But for some women, their experience with morning sickness pushes past the first trimester and into the second and third. If you’re in the latter camp, here’s what you need to know:

Why me?

Constantly battling a queasy stomach can really color your pregnancy experience. It’s hard to be joyful and look forward to the future when all you want to do is hang your head in the toilet bowl. Scientists don’t know what causes morning sickness, though it’s likely something to do with your raging pregnancy hormones. Just as each of us is as unique and special as a snowflake, our experience with pregnancy symptoms is just as varied. The truth of the matter is, some women will battle through it and others will escape scot-free.

Read more: The diet that promises to squash morning sickness 

Natural remedies

By now, you’ve likely tried all the home remedies for morning sickness – but they bear repeating.

• Ginger: Stock up on ginger to soothe your aching belly. Ginger chews, teas and candies are widely available in most groceries.
• Peppermint: Try sipping on peppermint tea in the morning to ease nausea.
• Vitamin B6: Talk to your doctor or midwife about taking a daily vitamin B6 supplement. It may be the key to warding off daily nausea.
• Coke syrup: Opening a can of Coke and letting it go flat before sipping may be beneficial and soothing.
• Diet changes: Your tastes will likely set you in the right direction, encouraging you to eat bland foods and steer away from spicy and fried items.

Medications

This day and age, there’s no reason to go through nine months of feeling bad. When the natural remedies don’t work, your doctor or midwife can prescribe any number of safe medications meant to tame your nausea. There are certain drugs prescribed to take occasionally – and there are others that can be taken daily as a preventative measure. Be sure to talk to your health care provider to find the option that works best for you. Be your own advocate and push for a prescription if you feel it’s what you truly need.

Read more: Does heartburn mean baby will be born with lots of hair? 

What’s your experience been like so far? Share your pregnancy journey in the comments below!

By Lizzie Goodman

Lizzie Goodman is a writer living in the Midwest. Since becoming a mom, she's learned to do everything one-handed, often while letting her baby daughter pull her hair and poke her in the face. She believes in the strength and power of women - and really enjoys writing about pregnancy and motherhood.