The Duchess of Cambridge is pregnant again! According to the official announcement, Kate is being treated once again for hyperemesis gravidarum, or extreme clinical morning sickness. She suffered from this same condition during her pregnancy with Prince George and is currently under the care of doctors at Kensington Palace.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum is morning sickness, but so much worse than what most women experience. The nausea and vomiting can be so severe that the woman begins to lose weight. This is very worrying and dangerous as pregnant women are expected to be gaining weight during pregnancy, according to the Washington Post. There is possible risk of dehydration in addition to psychological or social problems, making it difficult for her to complete activities of daily life.
Regular morning sickness is usual–if not expected– while hyperemesis gravidarum is much more rare, though not unheard of. Doctors don’t quite know what causes the exacerbation of normal morning sickness symptoms.
10 Natural Ways to Treat Your Morning Sickness Symptoms
1. Lemon Water. Upon awakening, drink as much lemon water as possible. The extra burst of water in the morning can promote the balancing out of hormones in the kidneys that built up over night. Women often find the smell of lemon calming to nausea, too.
2. Graze. Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. This helps stabilize blood sugar and prevent hunger-induced nausea.
3. Minimize Chewing. If the mere act of chewing triggers nausea or vomiting, fruit and veggie smoothies can be a great solution. Make sure to include enough protein, fiber, and good fats — like our Rainbow Smoothie — so that you are still receiving all the nutrients you and the baby need without too much sugar.
4. Skip the Saltines. While many women find temporary relief with saltine crackers, they cause delayed blood sugar spikes. Try to find a whole-grain option or sprouted bread, which should have less affect on insulin levels.
5. Vitamin B6. There is conflicting evidence if this vitamin can alleviate morning sickness, but it has been long prescribed as a remedy. It can’t hurt, however, to eat more foods naturally rich in the vitamin such as bananas, spinach, sunflower seeds, and avocados.
6. Ginger Tea. Ginger tea has long been used as a warm tonic to manage an upset stomach. Steep a fresh 1/4″ slice in warm water and sip in between meals. Here are a few more tips on how to cook with ginger.
7. Cinnamon. Shown to have a profound affect stabilizing blood sugar levels and managing cravings, add a cinnamon stick to the same tea above.
8. Acupressure Wrist Bands. There is an acupressure point on your wrist (pericardium point six) that is thought to help manage nausea. There are special wrists bands that help stimulate this point, or talk with a certified acupuncturist or health practitioner.
9. DIY Belly Oil. Make your own soothing pregnancy belly rub with 1 drop peppermint oil to 3 drops camomile oil. A little bit goes a long way so use sparingly!
10. Get Plenty of Rest. Being tired worsens your symptoms, so if you need to take the day off or get in bed a little (or a lot!) earlier, give your body what it needs and deserves to feel better.
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