Various kinds of food to eliminate nausea in pregnant women is very important to know. The reason is, nausea and vomiting can make pregnant women reluctant to eat, even though nutritional intake for the fetus must still be met. Come on, see what foods can eliminate nausea in pregnant women!
Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy generally occur in the first trimester. This is actually normal and a sign of a healthy pregnancy. However, when it occurs in excess, this condition is called hyperemesis gravidarum.
Hyperemesis gravidarum can make pregnant women become weak so they are unable to carry out their activities optimally. If more severe, this condition can even cause dehydration and weight loss, endangering the health of pregnant women and fetuses.
Foods to Get Rid of Nausea in Pregnant Women
If pregnant women are among those who often feel nauseous, you should know about various food options to relieve nausea in pregnant women but still be able to meet nutritional needs. Some of them are:
1. Ginger
Ginger has long been known to be a useful spice for treating stomach disorders, especially nausea and vomiting. This spice contains bioactive compounds that interact with the stomach and central nervous system to relieve nausea. If it helps, pregnant women can consume ginger tea, ginger biscuits, or ginger candy.
2. Foods high in carbohydrates
Most obstetricians recommend carbohydrate-rich foods to relieve nausea and vomiting, such as biscuits, rice, noodles, potatoes, pasta, and bread. These foods are able to help absorb stomach acid, so that pregnant women's stomach will feel more comfortable.
3. Foods high in protein
Studies have found that eating foods rich in protein can reduce symptoms of nausea in pregnant women, even better than foods high in carbohydrates. In addition to various meats, tofu, or tempeh, peanuts or peanut butter can also be a choice of high-protein foods as long as pregnant women are not allergic.
Foods high in protein are thought to increase the production of the hormone gastrin. This hormone helps normalize gastric movements that tend to be excessive when nauseated, so that food in the stomach is not vomited up.
4. Different kinds of soup
Various soups are more easily tolerated by pregnant women who are easily nauseous, because these foods tend to be digested quickly by the stomach. A bowl of chicken soup can contain salt and potassium, so it's great for replacing electrolytes lost after vomiting.
5. Cold food
If the smell of chicken soup or any gravy still makes you nauseous, you may be able to tolerate cold foods better than warm ones. Ice cream, cold cut fruit, or yogurt can be an option because generally these foods do not have a strong aroma.
In addition to the various foods above, pregnant women must also meet their daily mineral water needs. Pregnant women can put a slice of lemon or ginger in a cup of warm water to help relieve nausea. Avoid caffeinated drinks or drinks containing milk, because these drinks can make pregnant women more nauseous.
Diet to Get Rid of Nausea in Pregnant Women
In addition to eating the right foods, pregnant women must also undergo the right diet to get rid of nausea. Below are dietary guidelines for preventing and treating nausea:
- Eat small portions but often.
- Avoid consumption of oily food.
- Drink little by little.
- Prepare convenient nausea-reducing foods for certain times of the day, for example when you wake up at night.
- Avoid lying down immediately after eating, for at least 30 minutes after eating.
- Eat a high-protein snack before bed.
In addition, to help relieve nausea, avoid changing positions suddenly, for example, quickly getting out of bed or standing up from sitting. Change positions slowly before sitting or standing.
If pregnant women have tried to maintain their diet and eat the right foods, but nausea and vomiting are very severe and bothersome, you should consult a doctor.