Often called “morning sickness”, this sick feeling can happen any time of day. It is so common during the first trimester that it is considered one of the signs of pregnancy. We don’t really know what causes it but hormones, low blood sugar, and digestive changes are the usual suspects. Some providers also suspect that emotional factors may play a part. Whatever the cause, you can often relieve this discomfort by avoiding an empty stomach, eating smaller, more frequent meals (2-3hrs apart), having some crackers or toast before getting out of bed in the morning, drinking ginger tea or ginger ale, and getting plenty of rest. It’s can also help to take Vitamin B6 (25 mg) morning and night, or – if nothing else is helping – take half of a generic Unisom (doxylamine) and 25 mg of B6 before you go to bed. Lots of times that will be all you need to get through the day, but if you still feel ill, take this same combo again in the morning., and then just take the B-complex about halfway between waking and bed time.

If the vomiting keeps you from being able to meet your nutritional needs or continues into the second trimester make sure and alert your provider. You may need to be evaluated for a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum – which is literally “too much throwing-up when you are pregnant”