Pregnancy is a unique time when our bodies work overtime, not just for us but also for nurturing a new life. It can be quite demanding, especially if we have other children to look after, leading to side effects like morning sickness, stretch marks, and backaches.
Throughout my six pregnancies, I’ve gradually learned how to better prepare my body, resulting in easier experiences and fewer symptoms over time. In my earlier pregnancies, I struggled with fatigue and certain food smells sending me to the bathroom. I would often find myself dozing off on the floor while playing with my kids.
Though I never dealt with extreme morning sickness like some friends who ended up hospitalized, I did experience a lack of appetite. If you are dealing with severe morning sickness or hyperemesis gravidarum, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider.
Thanks to enhancing my health and nutrition, I noticed a significant improvement during my last two pregnancies. My energy levels dropped only slightly compared to pre-pregnancy days, and I wasn’t put off by food. Amazingly, during my last pregnancy, I didn’t experience morning sickness at all!
Nurturing our body’s reserves of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals is crucial before and during pregnancy. This helps in reducing fatigue and sickness since our bodies are not deprived of essential nutrients while supporting a new life.
Sometimes, pregnancies happen unexpectedly, making preparation a challenge. However, if you are planning to get pregnant, preparing your body can help minimize symptoms and make the journey smoother.
To clarify, morning sickness isn’t confined to the morning. It can occur at any time or persist throughout the day, affecting about 70-80% of pregnant women. The exact cause is still not clear, but it’s believed to involve fluctuating hormones, low blood sugar, stress, and fatigue. Certain food smells and even travel, especially if you’re prone to motion sickness, can trigger it as well.
Common triggers include animal products, strong flavors, and caffeinated foods. Historically, avoiding these could have protected the fetus from potential pathogens before refrigeration was available.
The onset of morning sickness typically occurs in the first trimester, around six to eight weeks, and may ease around weeks sixteen to twenty, although this varies for different women.
If you’re hoping to dodge morning sickness, here are some of my personal tips:
Evidence suggests that vitamin B6 levels may influence morning sickness. Some women have found relief by supplementing with B6, although results vary. Magnesium also had a significant positive effect for me, and I found similar experiences among friends. Magnesium is vital for over 600 bodily reactions, helping regulate hormones and blood sugar, which can, in turn, reduce morning sickness.
Topical magnesium is beneficial since pregnancy can affect oral magnesium absorption. I use both topical magnesium oil and my preferred oral magnesium supplement for effective results. If you’re interested, there’s a simple DIY recipe for topical magnesium available. “The Magnesium Miracle” by Carolyn Dean is a great resource to learn more about its importance.
Cod liver oil and fatty fish like sardines and salmon are rich in vitamins D and A, and omega-3s, which help our bodies absorb and utilize magnesium better. Eating more healthy fats and proteins before pregnancy supported my blood sugar and hormone levels, reducing inflammation.
On a typical day, I aim for more protein and healthy fats, plus three to four cups or more of vegetables. I prefer steamed veggies with butter, especially early in pregnancy. Despite all efforts, morning sickness can still occur. Natural remedies can provide relief, but it’s essential to see a healthcare professional if symptoms are severe.
Improving nutrition and increasing vitamin and mineral intake can lead to a healthier pregnancy and a better start for your baby. Although not always possible for every pregnancy, these steps can help with energy levels and potentially avoid morning sickness.
Have you tried changing your nutrition before pregnancy? Did it help make your pregnancy easier?
