Foods That Fight Nausea During Pregnancy

Besides an expanding belly, there’s a lot of physical change that an expecting mum goes through during her pregnancy. One such discomfort is nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It is also known as morning sickness during pregnancy. According to medical research, it is common in 70% of pregnancies.

Despite what it sounds like, morning sickness can strike at any time of the day and can be due to low blood sugar or the rise in pregnancy hormones, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). The good news is that there are foods that fight nausea during pregnancy. Take a look!

16 Foods That Fight Nausea During Pregnancy

To help relieve nausea during pregnancy, it is advisable to avoid having an empty stomach. Eating in small amounts every one to two hours can also be helpful. Some of the foods to help with nausea during pregnancy are:

1. Salty crackers: You can stash a box of slaty crackers on your bedside table and nibble a few as soon as you wake to help stave off nausea.

Medical studies have found that almost 90% of gynaecologists recommend salty crackers to women experiencing nausea during pregnancy.

2. Ginger: What to eat when pregnant and nauseous?

Well, a root commonly used in Chinese medicine, ginger is one of the best foods to eat when nauseous during pregnancy.

You can try ginger teas and sodas, ginger-infused ice pops, crystallized ginger candy, or ginger snaps. You can also add some fresh ginger to your recipes.

3. Lemon: If you’re experiencing morning sickness, it is advisable to keep lemons on hand as it is one of the foods that help with nausea during pregnancy.

You can sniff them, squeeze them in drinking water, or even lick slices. The refreshing smell and taste can do wonders and calm your stomach when nausea hits.

Lemon drops can also reap fruitful results. So, stash some in your bag before leaving the house. 

4. Bananas: One of the most significant nausea pregnancy help, bananas are a nutritious, energy-dense snack. Plus, they’re easy to eat even when you’re experiencing morning sickness.

Reports also show that bananas help replace the potassium that might be lost if you have been vomiting.

5. Applesauce: Applesauce is a popular food for expecting mums experiencing nausea or vomiting.

A part of the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast), applesauce is a good source of carbs and is gentle on your stomach.

High in the dietary fibre pectin, it is beneficial if you’re experiencing loose motion during pregnancy in addition to feeling nauseous. One of the most significant foods that help with nausea while pregnant for sure.

6. Rice: Rice can be the best food for pregnancy nausea. You can boil or steam it and eat it plain or with light seasoning.

Rice can also be eaten cold if hot foods are off-putting.

7. Potatoes: Often expecting mums ask questions like what foods help with pregnancy nausea?

Sometimes, the answer is right there in the kitchen. Potatoes!

Yes, you read that right. Potatoes can be boiled, steamed, baked, or mashed with a little butter and milk for extra calories and it helps an expecting mum if she is nauseous.

8. Noodles: One of the foods for pregnancy nausea is our all-time favourite noodles.

Noodles can be boiled or can be added to a light broth or sauce to increase your fluid intake during pregnancy.

9. Herbal Tea: Did you know that herbal tea is commonly used as one of the drinks that help with nausea during pregnancy.

According to medical studies, 21.7% of gynaecologists recommend herbal tea to pregnant women experiencing nausea.

10. Cold foods: Try reaching for cold foods to combat nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Hot bites are more likely to have an aroma that triggers your gag reflex and can make you more nauseous.

Some yummy cold options like sorbet, yoghourt, popsicles, chilled fruits, or ice cream can help relieve your nausea.

11. High-protein foods like eggs, meat and fish: While there are certain foods to avoid during pregnancy, high-protein foods like eggs, meat and fish can keep nausea at bay while replenishing your energy.

If you have an aversion to the meat while pregnant, you can find natural sources of protein like nuts, beans, and Greek yoghourt.

12. Peppermint: Anecdotal evidence suggests that peppermint aids to treat morning sickness symptoms.

You can stock up on peppermint hard candies for on-the-go relief.

13. Cereals: Cereals generally don’t have a nausea-triggering smell or taste but the ones that are fortified with minerals and vitamins can do wonders.

Try to avoid cereals that are jam-packed with added sugars.

14. Plain potato chips: Plain potato chips can help settle your stomach as they are bland, salty, non-acidic, easy to digest, and require minimal effort from your gastrointestinal system.

15. Toast and other dry foods: Many pregnant women swear by toast, bagels, rice, potatoes, and other dry foods.

Since these carb-heavy items don’t have an overwhelming flavour, they’re less likely to trigger nausea.

16. Broth: Broth is one of the foods that fight nausea during pregnancy.

The broth goes down easily and contains electrolytes that prevent dehydration, a common side effect of vomiting.

These were some of the foods that fight nausea during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Nausea during pregnancy is an unpleasant sensation that can make it difficult to eat, drink and keep down food. Plus, nausea can also make heartburn during pregnancy worse. Expecting mums experiencing it seems to tolerate certain foods better than others, including bland rice, pasta, potatoes, salty crackers, and cold foods.

FAQs

How can I make my nausea go away during pregnancy?

Unfortunately, nausea during pregnancy is common. To relieve nausea, try to avoid having an empty stomach and eating in small amounts every one to two hours.

Which fruit is good for nausea in pregnancy?

Expecting mums can have bananas if they experience nausea. Besides, the nausea-reducing fruit provides nutrients and potassium to refuel your body.

What foods help with nausea while pregnant?

Foods like ginger, lemon, potatoes, pretzels, salty crackers, peppermint, herbal tea and banana can help combat nausea during pregnancy.

Are apples good for nausea?

Yes, apples are good for fighting nausea. Due to their fibre content, apples help to ward off the chemicals from the body that cause nausea.

Is it normal to have nausea all day during pregnancy?

Nausea during pregnancy can affect you at any time of the day or night. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor if you feel nauseous throughout the day.

Also Read: Fruits to avoid during pregnancy