Morning Sickness and Backaches: Do's and Don'ts

Here are some tips to prevent morning sickness and backaches during pregancy.

The Do's

• Eat many small meals throughout the day to avoid an empty stomach

• Eat simple snacks or soda crackers 15 minutes before getting out of bed in the morning

• Eat whatever you feel like eating, whenever you feel you can

• Keep yourself well-hydrated with small sips of water throughout the day

• Use hot or cold packs to alleviate backache but never apply direct heat on the abdomen

• Exercise regularly to strengthen the back muscles

• Get fresh air. A walk or an open window might ease your nausea

• Maintain proper posture to relieve the strain on the spine

The Don'ts

• Don't lie down after eating, as it can slow digestion and cause reflux

• Don't slouch, as it puts pressure on the spine; wearing a support belt helps

• Don't skip meals

• Don't ignore severe pain over an extended period of time

• Don't cook or eat hot and spicy food

• Don't consume food that over-stimulates your sense of smell

Photo courtesy of Thinkstock. This article first appeared in NATURA magazine issue No.12.