Vomiting

The following suggestions may be useful in relieving nausea and vomiting:

• Acupressure ‘Sea Bands” that are used for sea sickness are approved by the FDA for use in pregnancy (they are often available at boat stores or regular drug stores).
• Ginger tablets or oil of peppermint from health food stores also can be used.
• These foods may not be well tolerated:
  • Greasy or fried foods, as they take longer to leave the stomach
  • Very sweet foods
  • Spicy hot foods
  • Foods with strong odors
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals, that is six small meals and snacks.
• Drink fluids between meals, not as much with meals.
• Eat foods that are at room temperature or cooler. Hot foods may trigger nausea.
• Drink beverages chilled or cold. Decaffeinated soda is often well tolerated.
• Eat slowly and rest after meals. It is best to rest sitting in an upright position for about one hour after eating.
• Dry toast, soda crackers, or dry pre-sweetened cereals may relieve periods of nausea.

Keep track of when you feel nausea and what causes it. If continued vomiting occurs, do not eat or drink anything until the vomiting has stopped. As you feel better, try some small amounts of clear liquids (broth, Jello, apple, grape, or cranberry juice, and/or popsicles.) Other things that may help:

• Tart or salty foods such as lemons or pickles may help decrease nausea.
• Avoid mixing hot and cold foods at a meal, as it may stimulate nausea.
• Ask your doctor about medicine to control nausea.
• Avoid eating in a room that is stuffy, too warm, or has cooking smells/odors that may disagree with you.
• Wear loose fitting clothing.
• To avoid the sight/smell of foods, eat meals out or have others bring prepared food to you.

These are signs that you need to call your doctor:

• Unable to keep anything down for more than two days
• Fainting
• Vomiting blood
• Jaundice (skin is greenish or yellow)
• Your weight drops more than five pounds within a week

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in the Contemporary Women’s Care website should be relied upon for medical education purposes only. It is not intended to replace the independent judgment of a health care provider. The appropriateness of a course of treatment for a patient may vary from the medical information provided herein due to individual conditions and/or complications.