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Nutrition for Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy

Nausea and vomiting symptoms are extremely common during the first three months of pregnancy due to changing hormones. The following are some suggestions to help with these symptoms.

  • Symptoms seem more pronounced when the stomach is empty. Eating frequently (every 1 ½ – 2 hours) in small amounts will keep the nausea to a minimum.
  • Separate liquids from solid foods – if you drink something, don’t eat for at least 30 minutes.
  • Carbohydrates and starches are the most popular foods.
  • High fat, spicy, or gaseous foods are not tolerated well.
  • Citrus fruits and drinks usually have too much acid.
  • Vitamins are important. If you can tolerate prenatal vitamins, they should be taken daily with solid foods.
  • Folic acid (0.4-1 mg average) is recommended daily. This is available in the prenatal vitamins or may be taken separately.
  • Centrum or two children’s chewable vitamins may be taken daily if other vitamins cannot be tolerated.
  • Vitamin B-6, 50-100mg twice daily or vitamin B-6, 25mg four times every day can decrease nausea (must take 2 times every day).
  • Motion sickness or sea sick bands can be purchased at drug stores.
  • Keep some type of dry food next to your bed if you get up during the night or when you wake up in the morning.
  • Try eating lemon drops, mints, and foods and drinks containing ginger (i.e. ginger ale, ginger snaps).

Some women require prescription medication or hospitalization if symptoms are severe. Please feel free to call if vomiting is excessive.

Some Popular Food and Drink Ideas
Saltine Crackers Dry Cereals – Cheerios/Rice Chex
Milk Shakes Ginger Tea
Toast/Graham Crackers Rice/Noodles/Baked or Boiled Potatoes
Grape Juice Hi-C Punch
Bagels – Plain or with Cream Cheese Oodles of Noodles
Papaya Juice Ginger Ale
Toast/Cheese Toast Macaroni and Cheese
Apricot Juice 7-Up
Peanut Butter Scrambled Eggs
Apple Juice Sprite
Peeled Apples/Apple Sauce/Watermelon Sherbert/Ice Pops
Gatorade Coke
Oatmeal/Grits Pretzels/Pop Corn
Lemonade Ginger Snaps
Tuna/Chicken – Baked or Grilled