Battling Pregnancy Sickness: Ways to help Pregnancy Sickness
- Beyond the Bump
- Jun 12, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Let’s talk about something that gets brushed off way too often – pregnancy sickness.
If you’re feeling constantly nauseous, struggling to keep anything down, or just feeling completely wiped from the waves of sickness – we see you. This isn’t just a quirky little “morning sickness” moment like the movies make out. For many people, it’s all-day, relentless, and really tough.
We want you to know two important things right up front:
💛 You don’t have to suffer through it just because “it’s normal”
💛 There is support out there – from medication to alternative therapies to just being properly listened to
What Is Pregnancy Sickness?
Pregnancy sickness is a very common symptom in the first trimester (and for some, beyond). While it’s often labelled as “morning sickness,” we know it can strike at any time of day – and sometimes stick around 24/7.
For some people, it’s manageable. For others, it can really impact daily life. And for a smaller group, it becomes Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) – a serious condition that goes far beyond regular nausea.
Signs Your Sickness Might Be More Than “Just Morning Sickness”
You’re vomiting multiple times a day
You can’t keep food or fluids down
You’re losing weight
You feel dizzy, weak, or dehydrated
You’re struggling to function day-to-day
If that sounds like you, please don’t wait – speak to your midwife or GP. You may have HG, which needs medical support and is absolutely not something to “just get on with.”
💡 Contact Pregnancy Sickness Support – a brilliant UK charity offering resources, peer support, and guidance for anyone struggling.
Things That Might Help Pregnancy Sickness
Everyone’s different – so what works for one person might not for another. But here are some common strategies that may help:
🫚 Ginger Everything
Tea, biscuits, capsules, cordial… Some swear by it, some say it makes things worse. Worth a gentle try if your stomach can manage.
🍞 Dry snacks by the bed
Eating something like a plain cracker before you even sit up can help ease that first wave of morning nausea.
🧠 Acupressure wristbands
Some people find relief using sea-sickness bands that press on the P6 point (also known as Nei Guan). You can pick them up in most pharmacies.
🌿 Alternative therapies
Some find relief with:
Reflexology (make sure it’s a pregnancy-specialist practitioner)
Homeopathy or herbal remedies (always double-check what's safe in pregnancy)
Hypnotherapy or guided relaxation to help reduce the emotional strain
Always check with a healthcare professional before trying any new treatment – even “natural” ones – especially during pregnancy.
💊 Medication
Yes, you can take anti-sickness medication during pregnancy. There are safe and effective options your GP or midwife can prescribe, including:
Cyclizine
Prochlorperazine
Ondansetron (used more often for HG)
Promethazine
You do not have to be at the point of dehydration or A&E visits to ask for help. If sickness is affecting your ability to eat, drink, or function – speak up.
A Note on Food and Fluids
Small, frequent meals can be easier to manage than three big ones. Bland foods like toast, crackers, rice, and plain pasta often sit better than rich or spicy meals. Cold foods can sometimes be easier than hot meals (the smell can be a trigger!).
Keeping hydrated can be tricky – ice lollies, ice chips, diluted squash, or sucking on fruit can all help sneak in extra fluids if water alone is a no-go.
You’re Not Just “Being Dramatic” – You’re Growing a Human
Pregnancy sickness can make you feel miserable, isolated, or like you’re somehow “not coping.” But you’re not alone – and it’s not a reflection of your strength or your ability to be a brilliant parent.
Whether you’re managing mild nausea or feeling completely knocked over by HG – we’re here for you. This is why advocating for yourself is so important. If your needs aren’t being taken seriously, it’s ok to push for more support.
We’ve Got More Support for You
💻 Looking for real, down-to-earth info about pregnancy and birth?
Join The Birth & Baby Academy – our complete antenatal course with expert info that cuts through the fluff and helps you feel empowered, informed, and supported every step of the way.
🎥 You can also grab our FREE video on Taking Control of Your Birth – it’s short, helpful, and full of tips for navigating your options.
Whether you’re nibbling ginger biscuits or battling HG in bed – know this: you’re doing something amazing. Be kind to yourself. Ask for help. And remember, you deserve to be heard and supported – always.
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