Morning sickness, as most women who experience it will tell you, is definitely inappropriately titled. Persistent nausea and/or vomiting that shows up in early pregnancy (usually between 6 and 14 weeks) happens for many reasons and can last minutes, hours or all day. If you experience severe symptoms, are unable to keep food down, or the symptoms continue beyond the 14th week, it's time to talk to your prenatal health-care provider. Naturopathically, the first thing we like to rule out is blood-sugar challenges: try eating frequent snacks, a protein with each meal and snack, and something small before lifting your head in the morning, like a granola bar or cracker. A naturopathic doctor may also advise a combination of vitamins (especially B6), acupressure, rest, stress relief, and work on mental-emotional issues around pregnancy.
~ Michelle Stapleton is a Naturopathic Doctor practicing in downtown Toronto, Ont. Her practice focuses on family medicine. She is the mother of two young boys and understands the challenges of parenting, working, and bringing healthy living into family life.
