How can I avoid morning sickness this time around

asks riley:
A. Morning sickness, which is the miserable feeling of nausea common in the first half of pregnancy, should be known as 'pregnancy sickness' because it can happen at any time of the day.

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Q. What causes it
A. Usually it's put down to hormonal changes or an imbalance in blood sugar.

The most recent theory is that it is an evolutionary safety mechanism which protects the growing baby from natural toxins contained in everyday foods. (These toxins don't normally harm us because we have the enzymes to deal with them.) Rather than trying to overcome morning sickness, goes the theory, women should avoid the foods that sicken them until the second trimester, by which time the crucial foetal development is over.

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Q. What helps
A. Here are some tried and tested solutions:

• Avoid spicy food, alcohol and caffeine - all can make nausea worse.
• Drink lots of water, juice or herbal tea.
• Eat a dry cracker or dry piece of toast before getting out of bed.
• Eat regularly Have something every two or three hours.
• Ginger A traditional remedy for nausea. Slice fresh ginger root into hot water or you can buy ginger tea. Ginger biscuits and ginger beer are good, too. (Make sure they contain real ginger and not just flavouring.) There's some doubt about taking ginger supplements - some experts think they may increase the risk of miscarriage.
• Low-fat diet Fat is slow to digest and may aggravate nausea. Have easier-to-digest breads, cereals and grains.
• Snack on a yoghurt, cereals or a sandwich before going to bed.
• Trust your cravings Your body can usually guide you to the foods you can tolerate. If you crave non-food items, see your GP for advice.
• Stay out of the kitchen If you are hypersensitive to smells, stay away from them. Open windows after meals to clear the air.
• Don't brush your teeth immediately after eating because this can cause vomiting.
• Rest Tiredness aggravates nausea, so grab a nap whenever you get the chance.
• Acupuncture has been shown to help. To find a qualified acupuncturist, contact www.acupuncture.org.uk
• Acupressure works on the same principle as acupuncture. Acupressure bands, designed to ward off travel sickness, help some women. They are thick cotton wristbands with a button that presses on an acupressure point near the wrist. Available at pharmacies.
• Homeopathic treatments can be taken when pregnant. Visit a registered homeopath (find one at www.trusthomeopathy.org) for advice. Sepia and Ipecac are commonly used for morning sickness.

For more information about morning sickness, visit www.thebabiesplanet.com/bbmornin.htm

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By Sheena Miller