Drinks That Help With Nausea During Pregnancy

Drinks That Help With Nausea During Pregnancy: Pregnant ladies are often served up on a silver platter with their own unique set of challenges. While some women have to deal with morning sickness and heartburn, others must contend with constipation, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, leg cramps, back pain, swollen feet and hands, and more. And if you’re pregnant for the first time, there’s the added stress of learning about all these new bodily functions and symptoms.

One common problem is nausea — especially in the early stages of pregnancy. The causes aren’t always clear, but it can strike at any point during your cycle. It might wake you up in the middle of the night feeling like throwing up. Or perhaps you’ll just feel sick throughout the day without actually vomiting anything up. Some medications may cause nausea, while certain foods, alcohol, caffeine and smoking can also make nausea worse.

The good news is that there are many remedies out there to help ease your nauseous feelings. But one tip isn’t necessarily better than another; rather, it depends on what works best for you. So the next time someone asks how they should cope with a case of morning sickness, be sure to recommend one of the following popular products. You could even try them yourself!

• Ginger Ale
• Tall Glass of Ice Water
• Caffeine-free Coffee
• Lemon Juice Squeezed Over Cucumber Slices
• Herbal Tea (such as Red Raspberry Leaf)
• Aniseed Syrup
• Champagne Mousse 

1. Ginger Ale

A classic pick-me-up drink, ginger ale contains high levels of B vitamins. As a result, it’s great at relieving nausea and alleviating motion sickness. Since it’s made from real fresh ginger root, not synthetic ingredients, this traditional remedy is safe and effective. Ginger ale has been shown to reduce gastric discomfort by reducing acidity, which helps soothe stomach ulcers, indigestion and reflux [sources: Mayo Clinic]. In addition, ginger ale contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and sodium, and it’s low in calories.

2. Tall Glass of Ice Water

If you’re looking for something refreshing, ice-cold water may be just what you need. A tall glass (or two!) of cool water will usually calm an upset tummy faster than almost any other method. It works because when you get dehydrated, salt enters your bloodstream, causing it to expand. When salt moves into your bloodstream, it affects your blood pressure, making it harder for your heart to pump efficiently. Dehydration and excess fluid can lead to headaches, fatigue, dizziness and nausea. To avoid dehydration, stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids. For best results, try sipping room-temperature water through a straw. This way, you won’t spill any onto your clothes or lap, where bacteria can grow.

3. Caffeine-free Coffee

This old standby is still recommended by doctors today. Although coffee does contain caffeine, it also contains a lot of different chemicals that can aggravate nausea and increase heart rate. Drinking caffeinated beverages during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage and preterm birth. Instead, opt for decaf or herbal versions of black or green tea. Both contain antioxidants and polyphenols that can relieve nausea and improve digestion. Just keep in mind that both types of tea can affect blood sugar levels so be careful not to overindulge.

4. Lemon Juice Squeezed Over Cucumber Slices

You’ve probably heard of the old saying “lemon juice cures everything,” right? Well, here’s why cucumbers help fight nausea. First off, the vitamin and mineral content in cucumbers can help boost immunity against infection. Secondly, its antioxidant properties can help protect cells from free radicals, molecules that attack healthy cells and contribute to cancer development. Finally, eating raw vegetables is known to aid in digestion, and cucumbers are no exception. They have long been used in Indian medicine for treating various digestive disorders and ailments, including gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, intestinal infections and irritable bowel syndrome. Plus, the scent of lemons is thought to relax tense muscles and stimulate the appetite. To add extra zing, squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top of your cucumber slices before popping them in your mouth.

5. Aniseed Syrup

Known as a natural cure-all for digestive problems, this sweet syrup comes from the seeds of fennel flowers. The flavor is reminiscent of licorice, and its main ingredient, anis, gives it a strong aroma. Aniseed syrup was traditionally used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by food poisoning. Today, it’s mostly used to manage symptoms associated with IBS and Crohn’s disease. Because it’s full of fiber, aniseed syrup can help remove waste from the intestines and prevent constipation. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also provide relief for people suffering from arthritis, menstrual cramps and migraines.

6. Champagne Mousse

There’s nothing quite like champagne to lift your spirits, and this French delicacy offers similar benefits. Made from egg whites, wine, sugar and yeast, this foamy concoction is said to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety and help alleviate depression. Researchers believe that the bubbles produced by mixing the ingredients together create a physical sensation in the brain that releases endorphins, which trigger positive moods. However, don’t go overboard on this one. Serving size is important since too much mousse can leave you bloated and gassy.

7. Wine

Wine — specifically red wine — has been linked to lowering systolic blood pressure by approximately 10 percent and diastolic blood pressure by 4 percent. Drinking moderate amounts of wine can also lower the risk of developing diabetes by 30 percent. Studies show that it can also decrease the likelihood of getting hypertension, cancer, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia. Why the link between red wine and health? It turns out that resveratrol, a compound found naturally in grapes, is responsible for cardiovascular effects. Resveratrol also protects against damage caused by oxidation and inflammation. So whether you prefer white, rose or pinot noir, make sure you choose a bottle of wine that’s less than 14% alcohol.

Whether you want to give your body a little kickstart or simply quell the queasiness that inevitably accompanies pregnancy, these tasty tips should do the trick. Just remember to take baby steps; drinking large quantities of liquids can quickly make your condition worse. Take care of yourself and enjoy your meal!

For centuries, mothers have relied upon herbs and spices to help relieve the symptoms of pregnancy. One popular remedy was henbane, a plant that grew wild across Europe and North America. Native Americans used the seeds to induce labor and deliver babies. Other medicinal plants included feverfew, pennyroyal mint, sage, valerian, peppermint and yarrow. Many of these plants were brewed into tinctures and salves to relieve tension, headache and sleeplessness.