It’s not unusual to have at least one nutritional symptom or “complaint” during your pregnancy.  You can take comfort in the fact that many other women have also experienced similar conditions.  When should you worry?  What can you do to cope?  Although your own health care professional is always the best source for guidance, we have information and suggestions for some of the most common nutritional concerns during pregnancy.

During the early months of pregnancy, many women experience nausea and vomiting. Because this condition often occurs in the morning, it is frequently referred to as “morning sickness". Excessive vomiting can lead to nutritional deficits or dehydration.

To help cope with nausea and vomiting, eat frequent small meals, avoid foods that create queasiness, and drink plenty of fluids. If nausea or vomiting is severe, your health care professional can recommend other remedies.

An empty stomach will often make the nausea and vomiting worse. Here are some tips to relieve morning sickness:

Get up slowly in the morning and sit on the side of the bed for a few minutes.

Eat dry toast or crackers when you wake up in the morning.

Try not to let your stomach get completely empty; eat 5 or 6 small meals a day.

Avoid unpleasant smells.

If you feel nauseous, don’t drink citrus juice, milk, coffee, or tea.