Morning Sickness
What can I take for morning sickness? I suffered badly in my last two pregnancies and have been told it may be caused by a B-vitamin deficiency. Can you recommend anything that will help in my next pregnancy, without putting the baby at risk?
Morning sickness is so common it affects up to 50% of women who are between six and 12 weeks pregnant. It is usually the result of either hormonal fluctuations or low blood sugar which is why eating a small snack can help.
The two key nutrients that can quickly help to relieve nausea are vitamins C and K. Vitamin K is found in chlorophyll so taking a daily dose of wheatgrass would help. I use Xynergy’s Sweet Wheat powder, which costs £19.95 for 15g plus £1.95 p&p. To mail order call 01730 813642. To make a juice, dissolve a heaped teaspoon in a glass of water.
Constipation, which is also common in early pregnancy, will exacerbate the morning sickness. The reason this happens is that the same hormone which the body relies on to maintain the pregnancy also slows down the intestines in order to increase the absorption of nutrients for the growing foetus. Counter this sluggishness by taking psyllium husks or linseeds, both of which are widely available now in healthstores. The essential fatty acids in flax- or linseeds (which are the same thing) can help rebalance fluctuating hormones.
Start your day with a glass of lemon and warm water which will help keep nausea at bay. Sucking on ice cubes will also ease nausea. Make yours in advance combining fresh orange juice, water, a few drops of ginger tincture and a teaspoon of honey to sweeten.