It started right before I hit the six-week mark. I knew I was pregnant — thank goodness for those early pregnancy tests — but the news still seemed surreal. The symptoms, though, those seemed to be reenforcing the fact of my impending little one quite forcefully.
Baby might be small, but they — and my pregnancy hormones — are quite mighty.
I woke up feeling sick, I saw the noon hour feeling sick, and through the afternoon and into the evening, I felt sick. It’s called "morning sickness," so why was it lasting all day?! Better to call it “all-day sickness” if you ask me.
Technically, mornings are my best. I’m not 100%, but I can function. A cracker or bite of granola bar first thing helps. And waiting to brush my teeth until I have my bearings. But then, waves of nausea ripple throughout the day, gaining intensity. Evenings are definitely my worst. And honestly, I never expected it. I assumed I’d wake in the morning with MORNING SICKNESS and then progressively get better, not worse.
I suppose it’s just another one of those “jokes on me” parts of motherhood — a first trimester sacrifice for the joy of holding my new baby in a few months.
I. Can. Do. It.
I think.
It will totally be worth it.
First trimester nausea is a good sign.
It’s just that no one told me all-day morning sickness was a thing. And had I known, I could have at least gone into this with a more realistic frame of mind. So, lest you be caught off-guard like me, let me be the friend that tells you, yes, all-day morning sickness is a thing. And here’s how you might be able to cope:
Try Sea-Bands
They’re most often used for motion sickness, but there is actually a lavender-colored variety made just for expecting mamas. These soft bracelets provide acupressure that is supposed to relieve nausea, and I think they actually helped.
Take B6 vitamins
My midwife recommended this. Apparently, this simple vitamin can help curb nausea. Talk to your provider about a dose that might work well for you.
Stay hydrated and eat your protein
There is so much nutritional advice flying at you throughout pregnancy, but I’ve found that frequently sipping water (or even a no- or low-sugar juice) and eating protein at each meal and snack helps the most in keeping the yuckies at bay. Ice chips have also become a favorite hydration option of mine!
Check out essential oils
They won’t be a certain fix, but lots of mamas swear by diffusing and topically applying a combination of ginger and peppermint. And always remember to ask your health care provider first if they're safe for you.
Commit to exercise
When you’re more tired than ever and feeling sick, exercise is probably the last thing on your mind, but give a short walk or yoga sesh in the outdoors a try. The endorphins can calm nausea, and at the very least, you’ll be distracted for a little bit.
