If you are suffering from morning sickness, and can’t quite get a handle on it, there might be some things you are doing or not doing that is making it worse. Here are some common mistakes to avoid if you are really struggling with morning sickness.
Not Eating Enough
The first mistake you need to avoid if you are pregnant is not eating enough. This can be hard to wrap your head around, because when you are having nausea from your pregnancy, the last thing you want to do is eat. However, it is important that you try to get as much nutrition and as many calories as you can, even when you’re sick. Try to eat small amounts of bland foods to start with, like crackers or dry toast.
During the times of the day when you are not experiencing any nausea, get a little more nutrition, focusing on fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Don’t forget your prenatal vitamins! Remember that avoiding food is only going to make your nausea worse, not better.
Suffering from Dehydration
This is another common mistake when you are pregnant, particularly when you have bad morning sickness. If you are getting nausea frequently and vomiting, you are losing a lot of electrolytes and hydration. You need to replenish the fluids you lose by drinking more water and drinks containing electrolytes, especially if you aren’t eating much due to the bad nausea. Talk to your doctor if you think you might be dehydrated.
Not Eating the Right Foods
When you feel up to eating, it can be tempting to eat all your favorite foods, but this might do more harm than good. Just because you have a day or two without nausea doesn’t mean it won’t come back. Ease back into your regular diet slowly, adding in a few different types of foods at a time. Don’t just go straight to your favorite enchiladas or chicken dish, if you don’t know if those spices and seasonings are going to upset your stomach.
Avoiding Your Severe Symptoms
There are many levels of morning sickness and pregnancy-related nausea, from mild to severe. If you are not able to hold anything down, including liquids, for 24 hours or longer, you need to get to your doctor right away. You might have a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum, which is when you are vomiting a lot more than usual. This can cause dehydration and malnutrition, which is bad for both you and your baby.
