How to Manage Morning Sickness at Night
Morning sickness is a common challenge for many pregnant individuals, often causing nausea and vomiting, especially in the early weeks. Hormonal changes, such as rising hCG, estrogen, and progesterone, typically trigger these symptoms during the first trimester, though they can last longer for some. Despite the name, nausea can strike at any time—morning, late afternoon, or even at night.
Fluctuating blood sugar, sensitivity to smells, and fatigue can worsen symptoms as the day progresses. Each pregnancy is unique, with hormonal shifts and varying hCG levels influencing the severity and timing of symptoms.
Eat Light Meals Throughout the Day
Eating several small meals and healthy snacks helps lessen nausea and prevent weight loss. Avoiding a completely empty stomach can reduce queasiness. Regular snacks, such as a few almonds or a spoonful of low-sugar yogurt, balance blood sugar and are easy to digest.
A table of helpful snack options includes:
| Snack Idea | Nutritional Benefit |
|---|---|
| Almonds | Protein, healthy fats |
| Low-sugar yogurt | Protein, calcium |
| Whole wheat crackers | Bland, easy to digest |
| Boiled eggs | Protein |
Keeping protein-rich snacks close by—like next to the bed—makes it easier to have a bite before getting up or during the night. Choosing bland, easy-to-digest foods supports nutritional needs, especially when taking prenatal vitamins. Eating this way helps keep energy steady and may make morning sickness more manageable.
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration helps manage nausea or vomiting. Dehydration can worsen nausea and cause dizziness, dry mouth, and electrolyte imbalances. Sipping water throughout the evening replaces lost fluids, and keeping a large water cup nearby encourages regular drinking.
Using a cup with a straw allows for small, frequent sips, which can be easier on the stomach. Tracking water intake, such as finishing a 40-ounce bottle by morning, helps ensure adequate hydration. If keeping fluids down is difficult or symptoms are severe, consult a healthcare provider, as conditions like hyperemesis gravidarum may require extra support.
Reduce Fatty and Sugary Foods
High-sugar and high-fat foods, like fried meals or candies, can be tough on the gastrointestinal system and often lead to bloating, heartburn, or nausea. Choosing a bland diet with more vegetables and fruit in place of fatty or sugary snacks makes meals easier to digest. Pairing fruits, such as apples, with protein foods like cheese may help lessen stomach discomfort and keep blood sugar steady.
At night, fatty or sugary foods can worsen indigestion and nausea, making it harder to sleep. Choose lighter, easily digestible options like steamed vegetables or small servings of low-fat protein to avoid triggering discomfort before bed.
Avoid Strong Scents
Eliminating strong or unpleasant smells can help reduce nausea for many people. Letting in fresh air through open windows or using a fan to move air around can help. Some individuals eat food cold, instead of hot, to minimize strong odors. Preparing less aromatic meals and asking friends and family to avoid strong perfumes or heavily scented meals can also make a difference.
At night, consider using an air purifier in the bedroom to keep the air fresh and reduce lingering smells that might trigger nausea. Avoid cooking strongly scented meals before bed, and go for lighter, bland foods that don’t fill the house with overpowering aromas.
Other Helpful Remedies
Ginger can ease queasiness, making ginger tea or ginger candies popular choices for relief. Acupressure wristbands, often sold in drugstores, press a specific point on the wrist and may help lessen symptoms for some users.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) offers another option to help with nausea. Specialty herbal teas designed for pregnancy wellness are available as well. Many of these home remedies are easy to include in a daily routine and require only simple, affordable items.
To improve nighttime comfort, try sipping ginger tea before bed or using acupressure wristbands during the evening to help prevent nausea overnight. A calming herbal tea blend designed for relaxation can also promote rest while easing stomach discomfort.
Options for Nausea Medicines
Many people dealing with morning sickness try medication when home methods are not enough. Some anti-nausea medicines, such as a mix of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and doxylamine, often help control nausea during pregnancy. In Canada, doctors prescribe Diclectin, which contains these two ingredients. In the United States, doctors may suggest other options like Zofran for more serious cases, such as hyperemesis gravidarum or persistent vomiting.
Some of these medications may cause drowsiness, which could help those who struggle to rest. For less severe symptoms, doctors sometimes recommend vitamin B6 alone and generally consider it safe at doses up to 200 mg daily. People with severe morning sickness or molar pregnancy might require more advanced care, and doctors may provide fluids by IV (parenteral nutrition).
The healthcare provider will also consider other possible causes, such as infections like Helicobacter pylori or issues like preeclampsia, before choosing the best treatment plan. Always discuss the possible risks and benefits of any medication with a medical professional.
