Morning Sickness Remedies That Actually Work

21 October 2025

Pregnancy is a magical journey, full of excitement and anticipation—but let’s be real, morning sickness can put a serious damper on those happy moments. If you're constantly battling nausea and wondering when you’ll ever get a break, you’re not alone. The good news? There are plenty of remedies that actually work. So, let’s dive into the best ways to keep that queasy feeling in check.

What Causes Morning Sickness?

Before jumping into solutions, it helps to understand why morning sickness happens in the first place. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but experts believe it's linked to:

- Hormonal changes – Surging levels of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and estrogen can mess with your stomach.
- A sensitive stomach – Some women are just more prone to nausea than others.
- Increased sense of smell – Certain scents can suddenly seem unbearable.
- Low blood sugar – Long gaps between meals can make nausea worse.

Now that we have that covered, let’s talk about what actually helps.

1. Ginger: The Gold Standard

Ginger has been used for centuries to calm an upset stomach—and it’s one of the most recommended natural remedies for morning sickness. Whether you sip on ginger tea, nibble on ginger candies, or take ginger capsules, this root can help ease nausea in a big way.

How to Use Ginger for Morning Sickness

- Ginger tea – Steep fresh ginger slices in hot water. Add honey and lemon for an extra soothing effect.
- Ginger chews or candies – Keep these in your bag for quick relief.
- Ginger capsules – Some women find these easier to tolerate if they don’t like the taste of ginger.

2. Eat Small, Frequent Meals

An empty stomach is your worst enemy during pregnancy. Instead of eating three large meals a day, try grazing on small, protein-rich snacks.

Best Snack Options

- Crackers or toast
- Greek yogurt
- Nuts and seeds
- Cheese with whole-grain crackers

Keeping your stomach from getting too empty—or too full—can help tame nausea.

3. Stay Hydrated (But Sip, Don’t Gulp)

Drinking plenty of fluids is key, but chugging water all at once can actually make nausea worse. Try sipping water throughout the day instead of drinking large amounts at once.

Hydration Tips

- Ice-cold water – Some women find this more tolerable than room-temperature water.
- Lemon water – A splash of lemon juice can add a refreshing twist.
- Coconut water – Packed with electrolytes to keep you hydrated.
- Peppermint tea – Gentle on the stomach and helps with digestion.

4. Vitamin B6: A Game-Changer

Research shows that Vitamin B6 can significantly reduce pregnancy nausea. Many doctors even recommend it as a first-line treatment before trying stronger medications.

How to Take It

- Through food – Bananas, poultry, and fortified cereals are great sources.
- As a supplement – If your diet isn’t cutting it, talk to your healthcare provider about a Vitamin B6 supplement (usually 10-25 mg, three times a day).

5. Acupressure Bands (Yes, They Actually Work)

You’ve probably seen those motion sickness wristbands at the drugstore. They apply mild pressure to the P6 acupressure point, which has been shown to help with nausea.

How To Use Them

- Put them on first thing in the morning before nausea kicks in.
- Wear them on both wrists for best results.
- If nothing else, they’re a drug-free option worth trying!

6. Avoid Strong Smells

Pregnancy can turn your nose into a superpower—except instead of detecting crime, it picks up on every unpleasant smell around. Triggers vary from person to person, but common culprits include:

- Perfumes and strong cleaning products
- Cooking smells (especially garlic, onions, and fried foods)
- Coffee (even if you used to love it)

Try to identify and avoid your personal triggers. If cooking smells bother you, consider having someone else handle meal prep (or order takeout!).

7. Get Plenty of Rest

Fatigue can make nausea worse. If you're worn out, your body is less capable of coping with morning sickness.

Tips for Better Sleep

- Nap when you need to – Even a short rest can make a difference.
- Try sleeping with your head elevated – This can reduce acid reflux.
- Stick to a routine – Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate your body.

8. Fresh Air Can Work Wonders

Ever notice how stepping outside can instantly make you feel better? Fresh air can reduce nausea, especially if you're feeling claustrophobic indoors.

Quick Hacks

- Open a window or turn on a fan.
- Take a short walk outside.
- Avoid stuffy, crowded places whenever possible.

9. Avoid Greasy and Spicy Foods

As much as you might crave fast food, greasy and spicy meals can make nausea way worse. Instead, stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods like:

- Plain toast or crackers
- Rice or mashed potatoes
- Applesauce or bananas

Save the spicy takeout for after your first trimester when morning sickness usually eases up!

10. Try Lemon (It’s Surprisingly Effective)

There’s something about the scent of fresh lemon that can zap nausea in seconds. You can:

- Sniff a fresh-cut lemon.
- Add lemon slices to your water.
- Suck on lemon-flavored candy.

It may sound too simple to be true, but many pregnant women swear by it!

11. Medication (As a Last Resort)

If all else fails and your morning sickness is severe, talk to your doctor about medication options. Some commonly prescribed ones include:

- Diclegis – A combination of Vitamin B6 and an antihistamine.
- Zofran – Often used in extreme cases when nothing else works.

Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication during pregnancy.

When to Call Your Doctor

While morning sickness is common, hyperemesis gravidarum (extreme nausea and vomiting) is a serious condition that may require medical attention. Call your doctor if you:

- Can’t keep food or liquids down for more than 24 hours.
- Lose weight due to excessive vomiting.
- Feel dizzy, dehydrated, or faint.

Final Thoughts

Morning sickness might feel like a never-ending battle, but remember—it’s temporary. In most cases, symptoms improve by the second trimester. Until then, try these remedies to make life a little easier.

And hey, give yourself grace. Pregnancy is tough—but so are you!