Morning sickness is a common and often challenging aspect of pregnancy. It affects up to 70-80% of expectant mothers. While it typically subsides by the end of the first trimester, some of you will continue to experience symptoms well into your pregnancy. The discomfort of nausea and vomiting can be overwhelming, but thankfully, there are many natural and effective ways to alleviate morning sickness.

Let’s explore the best way to stop morning sickness using a variety of natural remedies, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes. From ginger tea to acupressure wristbands, these proven strategies can help you feel more in control and provide relief during this special but sometimes trying time.

Understanding Morning Sickness

Morning sickness will often start around the 5th or 6th week of pregnancy and can peak during the first trimester. It typically fades away after the 12th week, but for some of you, nausea may persist throughout the pregnancy. The exact cause is still unknown, though hormonal changes, heightened sensitivity to smells, and changes in your digestive system are believed to contribute.

Whether you’re dealing with mild queasiness or more severe nausea, here are the best way to stop morning sickness and restore a sense of well-being.

1. Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals

One of the simplest but most effective ways to stop morning sickness is by adjusting your eating habits. Skipping meals or having an empty stomach can worsen nausea because stomach acids irritate the lining. Instead, you should try eating smaller portions of food more frequently throughout the day.

Why it works:

Keeping your stomach consistently full can prevent the dips in blood sugar levels that often trigger nausea.
Snack on plain crackers, dry bread, or cereal first thing in the morning before you get out of bed【8†source】【7†source】.
Carry small snacks like nuts or protein-rich foods to nibble on throughout the day, avoiding large, heavy meals.

2. Soothe Your Stomach with Ginger

Ginger is widely regarded as one of the best natural remedies for nausea, making it an ideal treatment for morning sickness. A study conducted shows that ginger helps reduce nausea by blocking certain chemical signals in the brain that trigger vomiting.

How to use ginger for morning sickness:

Drink ginger tea or ginger ale made with real ginger.
Suck on ginger candies or chew ginger gum.
You can also take ginger capsules, but consult with your doctor about the dosage; generally, 250 mg four times a day is recommended【8†source】【7†source】.

3. Avoid Certain Trigger Foods

The foods you eat play a big role in how you feel during pregnancy. Some foods are more likely to cause nausea, while others may help soothe it. Avoiding heavy, greasy, and spicy meals is a key component of the best way to stop morning sickness.

Foods to avoid:

Fatty and fried foods.
Spicy or highly seasoned meals.
Foods with strong odors【7†source】【8†source】.

Foods to include:

Opt for light, bland, and dry foods like toast, crackers, and bananas.
High-protein and carbohydrate-rich foods are often easier to tolerate.
Salty snacks, such as pretzels, may also help reduce nausea【8†source】.

4. Keep Your Environment Smell-Free

A heightened sense of smell is a hallmark of pregnancy, and for some women, certain smells can exacerbate morning sickness. Another best way to stop morning sickness is by avoiding these sensory triggers.

How to manage odors:

Stay away from strong smells like perfumes, cigarette smoke, or even certain cleaning products【7†source】【8†source】.
Open windows or use fans to help ventilate your space while cooking.
If possible, let someone else handle cooking duties, especially meals with potent aromas.

5. Try Aromatherapy for Nausea Relief

While avoiding offensive smells is important, incorporating pleasant scents can be equally beneficial. Aromatherapy, especially with certain essential oils, is often cited as a best way to stop morning sickness.

Essential oils that help:

Peppermint oil: Known for its cooling and soothing effects, peppermint can help reduce feelings of nausea.
Lemon oil: A fresh citrus scent that can alleviate nausea and provide an uplifting mood boost.
Ginger oil: Similar to consuming ginger, inhaling ginger oil may have anti-nausea effects【7†source】【8†source】.

You can carry a cotton ball or tissue soaked in essential oil or use a diffuser to lightly scent your room.

6. Time Your Prenatal Vitamins Right

Prenatal vitamins are essential for a healthy pregnancy, but they can sometimes worsen nausea, especially if taken on an empty stomach. Another best way to stop morning sickness is by altering when and how you take your vitamins.

Tips for reducing nausea from vitamins:

Take your prenatal vitamins with food, preferably in the evening before bed【8†source】.
If iron in the vitamins is causing nausea, talk to your doctor about switching to a low-iron formula, as iron needs increase later in pregnancy.

7. Consider Acupressure and Acupuncture

Acupressure and acupuncture are increasingly popular for their ability to manage nausea during pregnancy. Many women swear by acupressure wristbands, which press on the P6 (Neiguan) pressure point on the inner wrist.

How it works:

These wristbands are commonly sold to help with seasickness and motion sickness but are equally effective in reducing morning sickness【8†source】.
Acupuncture involves tiny needles inserted into specific points on the body and has been shown in some studies to reduce pregnancy-related nausea【7†source】.

8. Stay Active

Exercise may be the last thing on your mind when feeling nauseous, but for some women, gentle movement helps alleviate symptoms. Staying active by incorporating light exercises such as walking or prenatal yoga into your routine can be another best way to stop morning sickness.

Benefits of exercise:

Regular movement helps improve digestion and reduce bloating, which can contribute to nausea【7†source】.
Exercise also releases endorphins, which can boost your mood and make you feel better overall.

Make sure to consult your doctor before starting any new exercise routine during pregnancy.

9. Safe Medications for Morning Sickness

While most cases of morning sickness can be managed with lifestyle changes, some women may require additional help in the form of medication. If the natural remedies aren’t enough, there are safe over-the-counter options available that can effectively treat nausea during pregnancy.

Over-the-counter remedies:

Vitamin B6: Taking 25 mg of vitamin B6 three times a day can significantly reduce nausea【8†source】. Be sure to check your prenatal vitamin, as it may already contain vitamin B6.
Doxylamine (Unisom): This antihistamine is safe during pregnancy and can be especially effective when paired with vitamin B6【8†source】.
Benadryl: Another antihistamine that can help alleviate nausea and vomiting. It may cause drowsiness, so it’s best taken before bed.

Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any medications during pregnancy to ensure they are safe for you and your baby.

10. When Should You See your Doctor

In rare cases, morning sickness can become severe and require medical intervention. If you experience hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition characterized by severe nausea and vomiting, it is essential to seek medical help. Signs that you should contact your healthcare provider include:

Inability to keep any food or liquids down for more than 12 hours.
Symptoms of dehydration, such as dizziness, dark urine, or infrequent urination【8†source】.
Vomiting blood or experiencing extreme weight loss.

Finding the best way to stop morning sickness can be a challenge, but with the right combination of lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and natural remedies, you can manage your symptoms and feel more comfortable throughout your pregnancy. Remember to listen to your body and consult your healthcare provider if you’re unsure about any remedy or if symptoms persist.

By incorporating small frequent meals, ginger, aromatherapy, acupressure, and more, you can navigate the waves of morning sickness with greater ease. Every pregnancy is different, so it may take some time to find what works best for you, but relief is possible! For more ways of managing health, visit Medical Antidote.

Best Way to Stop Morning Sickness