Title: Morning Sickness Part 1
Categories: Info
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Morning sickness is the most common and irritating problem encountered in the first trimester of pregnancy. About half of all women experience to some degree.

No one is exactly certain what causes morning sickness, but theories abound. These include sudden hormonal changes (in particular the rapid increase in human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), shifting dietary needs, insufficient B vitamins, low blood sugar, and deficiency in hydrochloric acid.

Formerly, the medication offered by the orthodox medical community for morning sickness contained antihistamines, which caused possible problems with the immune system and immunological disorders. Antihistamines have also been linked with birth defects. Thankfully, these days most doctors offer nothing more than fluids and encouragement.

Wild yam root, which balances hormonal production and tones and nourishes the liver, is one of the best remedies for morning sickness. Some women have found that just sipping wild yam tea during the day alleviated the nausea. Because it is a tonic herb, the effects may not be felt immediately. It works best if taken in small amounts over a period of several days (see recipe).

Low blood sugar levels may be implicated in morning sickness. In this case, eating small meals frequently, avoiding large meals, and snacking on wholesome nourishing protein foods between meals may help. Popcorn sprinkled with nutritional yeast is a satisfying between-meal snack. Yogurt is also excellent. Whole-grain crackers with nut butter (almond, hazelnut, sesame, peanut) or another high-protein spread make a good snack. High-mineral vegetable broths are also satisfying to sip between meals, particularly in cold weather, and provide good nutrition in an easily assimilated form.

Most experts agree that insufficient B vitamins, especially B6, can contribute to morning sickness. Because they are water-soluble, B vitamins are not easily stored in your body and must be constantly replaced. Your diet should include foods rich in B vitamins such as nutritional yeast, yogurt, bee pollen, spirulina, wheat germ, whole grains, egg yolk, cabbage, and organ meats (use only organically-raised meats). A B-vitamin supplement may also be necessary during the first trimester.

Pregnant women are also frequently deficient in hydrochloric acid. You may find relief by taking a supplement called Betaine HCl, which is hydrochloric acid in tablet form. If you experience cravings for sour foods, and/or bloating and/or queasiness after eating, especially after eating protein foods, you may be deficient in hydrochloric acid. A suggested dose is one to four tablets with each meal. Begin with one tablet. If you experience discomfort, discontinue taking it.

For those days when nothing seems to stay down, make a broth containing equal parts barley and whole oats. When the broth has cooled sufficicently, strain out the grains and add a little slippery elm powder. Slippery elm is difficult to mix, so blend it in the blender for a smooth consistency. Though bland, this mixture is both soothing and nourishing. The flavor can be enhanced by adding miso, tamari, or other soup-seasoning mix. The mucilage in slippery elm will soothe your stomach and intestines. You can also try eating yogurt or oatmeal and kefir, easily digested and highly nourishing foods that are soothing to the intestinal tract.

A hot water bottle can be a comforting remedy during bouts of extreme nausea. Cuddle up in bed with a hot water bottle on your agitated tummy, a cup of Ginger/Peppermint Tea, a box of crackers, and a good book. Two great books to read while you're pregnant are NATURE'S CHILDREN by Juilette de Bairacli Levy, and THE WISE WOMAN HERBAL FOR THE CHILDBEARING YEARS by Susun Weed.

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