Many women have used ginger for morning sickness since it is one of the most commonly recommended natural remedies.  While their are claims of its effectiveness in fighting nausea and vomiting, there are also claims that it is not safe to use during pregnancy.

Ginger has been used for centuries as a way to fight nausea.  Some say it has an effect on the brain that reduces the message of nausea.  Others say it aids in digestion which reduces the feeling of nausea in the stomach.  Either way, for many people it seems to work.

But when used as a morning sickness remedy, there are definitely mixed messages.  Some healthcare professionals claim it is safe and others say it shouldn’t be used during pregnancy.  So, what are the reasons they say that it shouldn’t be used?

One of the first claims is that ginger may cause mutations.  However, the same “study” showed that ginger had properties to prevent mutations.  This can be very crucial for a newly forming embryo.  In the first trimester, when morning sickness is at its peak, the internal organs are forming and growing.

The second claim is that it can cause contractions of the uterus.  Contractions can cause premature labor and is obviously not a desired side effect due to the dangers to the unborn baby to be born early.

One of the last claims is that ginger interferes with testosterone binding in the unborn baby.  Apparently this can have life-long issues for the baby after it is born if the hormones levels are not correct.

Please make note that none of these claims have any solid research studies to support them.  It has been said that since there is no solid evidence to support the claims, that it is generally safe to use ginger for morning sickness, as long as it is used in small quantities.  It is up to each individual woman to speak with her doctor and decide if the possible side effects are worth the risk.

Earth Mama Angel Baby Morning Wellness Tea is an organic tea for the nauseous mommy-to-be.  Whether you’re struggling with smells making you feel bad or all day nausea, this organic ginger and mint tea will help you make it through your day.

Ginger has many uses in cooking, but it has also been used for years to help combat stomach troubles, especially nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy.   (more…)

Of all the aches and annoyances that ail mothers to be, pregnancy morning sickness is by far the most common. Around 70% of all pregnant women go through this period of nausea and vomiting early in pregnancy.

As you’ve probably noticed, morning sickness isn’t limited to the earlier part of the day. In fact, the medical term is “nausea and vomiting in pregnancy” (NVP) or nausea gravidarum, Latin for nausea of pregnancy. The condition took on the name morning sickness only because for many women the nausea hits hardest in the morning and lessens throughout the day.

Pregnancy morning sickness typically makes its entrance in the middle of the first trimester, around week 4 to 6, although it can start earlier. Once the symptoms come on, they tend to get progressively worse for the next month. The good news, though, is that for the majority of women, symptoms completely disappear by week 14. There are those “lucky” few who experience morning sickness off and on throughout the whole pregnancy, though.

Medical science hasn’t determined the exact cause of pregnancy morning sickness, in part because there seems to be a variety of causes. Some, like increased hormone levels and genetic predisposition, are out of your control, but controllable factors like potent odors, certain foods, and skipping meals can also set your stomach churning. Fortunately, there are numerous home remedies for morning sickness, like sipping ginger tea, smelling lemons, and eating cabbage. Many of these natural cures do a good job of curbing queasiness, but for severe cases, OTC and prescription anti-nausea medications are available.

Perhaps surprisingly, there is a positive side to morning sickness. As miserable as a continually sick stomach is for the mom-to-be, baby won’t be any worse for wear. In fact, it’s thought the whole reason morning sickness occurs is to protect the developing fetus. Studies suggest that food aversions crop up to discourage the mother from ingesting anything that could harm the baby, such as alcohol and potentially harmful pathogens and phytochemicals.

When you’re dealing with pregnancy morning sickness, the important thing is to stay hydrated and try to get a reasonable amount of nutrient-rich food. Home remedies can do a lot to ease your discomfort, but the only real cure is time.

Severe morning sickness strikes a relatively small number of pregnant women, but unlike more milder cases, it can actually be dangerous for you and your baby.    Because of this, if you have any of the following signs of severe morning sickness, they shouldn’t be ignored and you should contact your doctor to find out how they want to treat you.

1. Excessive Vomiting – Most women who experience morning sickness will vomit at least once a day, but more severe morning sickness may cause you to vomit multiple times a day.  Some women throw up so much that they break blood vessels in their throat and may see blood in their vomit.  Others may feel sore in their abdominal muscles or ribs just from the sheer force of heaving.
2. Inability to Keep Down Any Food – Some doctors won’t worry just because you’re throwing up several times a day and instead they are more concerned with whether or not you can keep down any food at all.  If you become unable to consume any food and drink without throwing it back up, you run a very high risk of becoming dehydrated.  Dehydration in pregnancy can lead to a whole host of problems from low amniotic fluid to premature contractions and should be avoided.
3. Extreme Lethargy – If you find that you’re getting extremely lethargic, to the point that it’s difficult to get up or walk, you should call your doctor.  This is also a good sign that you’re becoming dehydrated and will probably need some replacement fluids.
4. Racing Heart – Especially watch for this when you stand up from laying down as this can be another sign of dehydration.
5. Other Dehydration Signs – Some of the other most common signs are low urine output, dry skin, lack of tears and skin tenting (Pull up on the back of your hand and see how long it takes to go back into place – it should be quick).

While morning sickness is very common, severe morning sickness is more rare.  If you find yourself extremely sick, take care of yourself and watch for symptoms of dehydration.  Above all, if you don’t feel right for whatever reason, contact your doctor right away.  It’s better to be treated quickly than to continue being so sick.