Morning Sickness
What Is It?
Morning sickness is the name given to nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. It is common during the first three months of pregnancy, after which time it usually passes. It is rarely connected to a stomach’s contents as this normally occurs on an empty stomach. Despite the name, morning sickness can occur at any time.
Cause and Effect
For most women, morning sickness is a minor inconvenience but for some it can be more problematic, sometimes affecting their quality of life with the added problem of being unable to enjoy their early pregnancy. It is generally thought that hormonal changes during the first three months of pregnancy can bring about this condition.
If you are unable to drink or eat without excessive bouts of vomiting, you may have hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) a more severe form of morning sickness. If you have any concerns, it is advisable to talk to your midwife or GP.
Studies and research have suggested that diet plays a part, as well as a possible lack of vitamin B6. The University of Liverpool put together 56 studies from 21 countries which looked at the prevalence of nausea and sickness in pregnant women. It found evidence suggesting a link between diet and nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Gillian Pepper and Craig Roberts report that the findings fit in with the idea that a mother vomits to expel harmful bacteria which could affect the foetus. www.theguardian.com
Motion sickness obviously has slightly different causes from morning sickness but the same remedies can help. Keep your eyes looking in the same direction as your body is moving, and keep the horizon in your sights so that the movement of your body is aligned with the movement of the scenery in your vision. This helps the body and the inner ear to make sense of the movements it is experiencing.
Juice Pharmacy Recommendations
What to Avoid
It is not advisable for pregnant women to take medications for this condition due to the sensitivity of the developing foetus and the chance that medicines may cross the placenta and cause damage to the developing infant (Thalidomide was a morning sickness treatment drug).
What to Include
The most practical advice is to stay lying down in bed upon waking and taking a hot drink such as peppermint or ginger tea, perhaps with a dry biscuit or plain piece of toast. This often helps to soak up excess bile and gastric acid which has drained into the stomach overnight and can often allay the urge to vomit upon rising from bed. Once upright, it is a good idea to have as many fruit and vegetable juices as possible during the morning, as these are light, highly digestible and highly nutritious for the growing baby.
Drink plenty of water and herbal teas, sipping them slowly which can help as a preventative measure and maintain the body’s hydration level.
Ginger - There is evidence that ginger may help reduce nausea and vomiting, since it is known for its soothing properties. Some women find that ginger biscuits or ginger ale can help reduce nausea. Try different things to see what works for you. Historically, ginger supplements have been used as an emmenagogue (a substance which stimulates or increases menstrual flow) and in large doses as an abortifacient, so moderation should be exercised. Check with your GP for any contraindications if you are taking any medications before taking ginger root or ginger supplements. (Ginger Common Spice & Wonder Drug – third edition by Paul Schulick), www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Mint - Anything containing peppermint (garden mint), will help to soothe an irritated stomach. Fennel is also a good soother.
Raspberry - Along with peach and pear, raspberry juice is a good addition to calm the stomach and bring relaxation to heaving spasms.
The Juice Recipes
Shot
The Ginger Shot - taken from Jason Vale's Super Juice Me! 28-Day Juice Plan
3cm ginger
1 small or ½ large apple
Simply juice the ingredients and knock back!
Juice
Digestive Aid - taken from The Funky Fresh Juice Book
3cm pineapple
2cm ginger
⅓ lemon
½ pear
1 small handful mint
Juice everything except the mint. Chop the mint finely, add to the juice and stir.
Disclaimer
Please note, it is impossible to give a definitive list as what supports one person can be a trigger food or allergen for another. You must stay your own juice detective at all times and listen to how your own body responds to certain foods and always consult with your healthcare provider when making changes to your diet which may affect your medication. Please be aware that we are not doctors, so it is important to consult with your GP or medical practitioner BEFORE making any changes to your diet. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, or a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, are provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.