There are many methods pregnant women can use to relieve the nausea associated with morning sickness. Common methods include avoiding certain foods and fluids such as:

• Greasy or fatty foods
• Highly seasoned foods
• Onions and other strongly flavored vegetables
• Cream or heavy dairy products
• Foods that smell unpleasant
• Large amounts of coffee or tea
• Coffee, tea, citrus juice and milk (with meals)

Women may be able to avoid morning sickness or reduce the symptoms by following a few changes:

• Eat five or six small meals a day instead of three large meals. The stomach should never feel empty because nausea is more likely to occur on an empty stomach.
  
  
• Eat more carbohydrates, such as a plain baked potato, white rice or dry toast.
  
  
• Eat snacks that are high in protein, such as peanut butter, nuts, pasteurized cheese, cottage cheese and yogurt.
  
  
• Eat bland foods when feeling nauseous, including saltine crackers, gelatin, broth and ginger ale.
  
  
• Eat saltine crackers or dry bread before going to sleep at night and upon waking in the morning. A small snack should also be eaten when getting up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Many women find it helpful to keep crackers by their bed to help prevent nausea in these situations.
  
  
• Drink fluids often throughout the day. Drinking fluids is important to prevent dehydration. To avoid nausea, drink liquids between meals instead of during meals. Try broth, caffeine-free soft drinks, sports drinks, fruit juice, seltzer or other types of sparkling water. If liquids upset the stomach, try eating crushed ice or popsicles. Most women become aware of which drinks are better tolerated.

Other helpful tips include:

• Get plenty of rest and take breaks when periods of low energy arise.
  
  
• Get up slowly in the morning. Sit on the side of the bed for a few minutes before standing up. Eat a cracker or sip a drink before getting up.
  
  
• Suck on a piece of hard candy.
  
  
• Wear an acupuncture wristband. Commonly worn by boat and airline passengers to prevent motion sickness, these wristbands may help alleviate morning sickness. They work by placing pressure on an accupressure point on the inside wrist. They are available at drug stores, health food stores, boating stores and travel agencies. Although they do not work for everyone, many women report relief with these bands.
  
  
• Take prenatal vitamins at night. The iron in prenatal vitamins can cause nausea in some women. Taking the vitamins at night or on a full stomach may help prevent morning sickness. If the nausea persists, discuss the vitamins with a physician. The physician may choose to change the vitamins.
  
  
• Increase the amount of vitamin B-6. Sources of vitamin B-6 include whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes. A physician may also suggest vitamin B-6 supplements.
  
  
• Consume ginger. The spice can be found in ginger soda, ginger tea and gingersnaps. It is also available in capsules and a crystallized form that can be sucked or chewed. Ginger has been shown to relieve nausea and other symptoms of motion sickness.
  
  
• Avoid strong or unpleasant smells.
  
  
• Keep rooms well-ventilated to reduce odors. Also, cool temperatures may be better for some women.
  
  
• Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke.
  
  
• Keep a record of what elements may have contributed to the morning sickness. By avoiding the items, such as certain foods or drinks, women may reduce the chance of sickness.  

Although there are medications available to treat morning sickness, women should always discuss these options with their obstetrician-gynecologist (ObGyn) before taking them. Women should also discuss nutritional or herbal supplements, such as ginger capsules and B-6 supplements, with their physician before using them. Women who are considering alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, should discuss these options with their physician as well. It is also important only to use individuals involved in complementary and alternative medicines who are trained to work with pregnant women.

Unlike typical morning sickness, hyperemesis gravidarum (a disorder characterized by frequent and severe vomiting) may require medical treatment. When vomiting is frequent, and severe enough to pose a threat to the expectant mother or her fetus, medication may be prescribed to reduce nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, the mother may require hospitalization and intravenous (I.V.) fluid administration to balance the level of electrolytes in the blood. Treatment may also require fasting, followed by a slow introduction of food back into the diet.