QUEEZY & UNEASY

I’m five weeks pregnant and really not feeling well. I vomit in the morning, and afterwards it feels uneasy in my stomach. What can I use to ease this pain?

TINA SAYS: What you are experiencing is a very common complaint of pregnancy. You are not alone, and this usually indicates a very healthy pregnancy. This is nature’s way of making sure that you do not ingest anything that could be harmful to your developing baby. I have included a few tips for you below:

• Do not rise on an empty stomach. Keep a few bland biscuits next to your bed, and eat them before you get up. Try starting your day drinking a glass of warm water instead of tea or coffee.

• Make yourself a pot of ginger tea, and keep ginger beer (not first thing in the morning) in the fridge. Ginger biscuits and ginger essential oil will also help.

• Avoid smells and foods that make the feeling worse.

• Carry peppermints in your bag or try mint tea.

• Make sure you do not go long periods without eating. Falling blood sugar makes nausea worse.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Try some reflexology, but be sure to use a practitioner who is experienced with pregnancy. Avoid spicy, fatty and fried foods.

• Deep breathing and stillness calms the mind and the body. Stress will make nausea worse.

• Make your own flavoured ice popsicles or ice cubes, and suck on one when the nausea strikes.