For many Indian women, the early days of pregnancy come with a mixed bag of emotions—joy, nervousness, and quite often, morning sickness. That constant feeling of nausea or the sudden urge to vomit can be unsettling, especially in the first trimester. In fact, it affects between 70% and 80% of expecting mothers.

While modern medicine offers help, many women—especially in India—prefer gentle, natural ways that feel more in tune with their bodies. And rightly so. Our ancient wisdom, found in texts like the Charaka Samhita, along with home traditions passed down by grandmothers, has long emphasized holistic approaches that focus on diet, lifestyle, and natural remedies to soothe various pregnancy-related discomforts.

In this article, you’ll discover six alternative therapies—all simple, safe, and widely used—along with key lifestyle changes that can help ease pregnancy nausea. Whether you’re a student, a healthcare worker, or just curious, this guide offers practical insights in a clear and relatable way.

What Causes Morning Sickness in Early Pregnancy?

Morning sickness might feel random, but there are a few common triggers:

• Hormonal changes – especially the rise of hCG and estrogen
• Increased sensitivity to smell
• A sensitive stomach or slow digestion
• Stress, anxiety, or plain tiredness

Understanding the cause helps us manage the symptoms better. And the good news? Most cases ease by the second trimester.

1. Ginger – Nature’s Anti-Nausea Hero

In Indian kitchens, adrak (ginger) is more than just a spice—it's a remedy. For centuries, Ayurvedic and traditional systems have used it to calm the stomach.

How it helps: The active compound gingerol helps relax stomach muscles and reduce queasiness.

How to use it:

• Sip ginger tea or make a mild fresh ginger infusion
• Try ginger candies, lozenges, or capsules (around 250 mg, 3–4 times daily)

Note: Ginger is safe in small amounts. Avoid overuse or taking unverified herbal products.

2. Acupressure – A Gentle Touch from Ancient Chinese Wisdom

This non-invasive therapy is quite popular globally and gaining ground in India too. It involves applying pressure to a specific point on the inner wrist to relieve nausea.

How to do it:

• Locate the point three fingers below the wrist crease, between the two tendons
• Apply gentle, steady pressure with your thumb, or wear a nausea relief wristband

It’s simple, drug-free, and works well for many women.

3. Aromatherapy – Calming Scents to Soothe Your Senses

Our elders have often placed lemon or chandan near a pregnant woman’s bed. The logic? Smell affects mood and digestion. Certain essential oils can reduce nausea and promote relaxation.

Popular oils include:

• Lemon or orange peel oil
• Peppermint oil (While generally safe for inhalation, some sources recommend using peppermint oil with caution, especially during the first trimester. It’s always best to use any essential oil in moderation.)
• Lavender oil (great for calm and sleep)

How to use:

• Add a few drops to a diffuser
• Inhale from a cotton ball dabbed with oil

Caution: Don’t apply oils directly to your skin or consume them. Always dilute and avoid long exposure. It's a good practice to consult with your doctor before using any new remedies during pregnancy.

4. Relaxation Techniques – Calm Mind, Happy Stomach

In Indian culture, shanti (peace) is considered essential during pregnancy. When you’re stressed, your stomach feels it too. Managing stress can make a big difference.

Simple practices to try:

• Deep breathing
• Guided imagery (imagine calming scenes)
• Prenatal yoga or gentle stretches
• Meditation – even five minutes can help

These techniques support both physical and emotional well-being.

5. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) – A Trusted Supplement

Vitamin B6 is often recommended by doctors or midwives to ease nausea.

Dosage: 10–25 mg, taken three times a day

It’s a safe, low-risk supplement—but like all vitamins, dosage matters. Excess intake could lead to nerve irritation, so stick to prescribed amounts.

6. Dietary Adjustments – Simple Home Remedies That Work

What you eat—and when—can make a huge difference. In India, home remedies like mishri, jeera paani, or dry toast are often used.

Tips for gentle eating:

• Eat small, frequent meals instead of three large ones
• Avoid spicy, oily, or pungent-smelling foods
• Keep dry crackers by your bed and eat one before getting up
• Try cold foods, which may be easier to tolerate
• Stay hydrated with lemon water, coconut water, or homemade electrolyte drinks

These small changes can be the first and most effective step in managing morning sickness.

What to Avoid During Pregnancy Nausea

Not everything that looks “natural” is safe. Here’s what you should avoid:

• Herbal products not recommended by your doctor
• Ingesting essential oils
• Skipping meals or fasting
• Ignoring persistent or severe symptoms

If your nausea lasts all day or affects your daily life, seek medical advice promptly.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Suffer Silently

Morning sickness is a normal part of pregnancy, but it doesn’t mean you must just “adjust.” As we say in Sanskrit, “Shariram Adyam Khalu Dharma Sadhanam” — the body is the first instrument of righteousness. Taking care of your body, especially during pregnancy, is a priority.

By using safe, gentle alternatives like ginger, acupressure, aromatherapy, and Vitamin B6, along with healthy food habits and a calm mind, you can feel more at ease during this delicate time.

What You Can Do Next

If you or someone you know is expecting and struggling with nausea, try these simple methods and see what works best. Share this article to spread awareness, or for more personalized advice, consider consulting a maternal health expert, such as those at Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Nursing in Pimpri, Pune, to learn more.

Caution: Always talk to your doctor or midwife before starting any new remedy—natural doesn’t always mean safe for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What exactly is morning sickness during pregnancy?

Morning sickness is the nausea and vomiting many women experience during early pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.

Q2. Is ginger really effective for pregnancy nausea?

Yes, small amounts of ginger—like tea or capsules—can safely ease nausea for many expecting mothers.

Q3. How does acupressure help reduce pregnancy nausea?

By gently pressing a specific point on your inner wrist, acupressure helps calm the stomach and reduce nausea naturally.

Q4. Which essential oils are useful for morning sickness relief?

Lemon, orange, peppermint, and lavender oils are known to help reduce nausea when used with proper care.

Q5. Can Vitamin B6 really make a difference in easing nausea?

Yes, doctors often recommend Vitamin B6 in safe doses to help reduce morning sickness without harmful effects.

Q6. Are diet changes enough to control pregnancy nausea?

In many cases, simple changes like eating small meals, avoiding spicy foods, and staying hydrated can bring major relief.

Q7. What foods or smells should I avoid during morning sickness?

Stay away from greasy, spicy, or strong-smelling foods that can trigger nausea—cold and bland foods are often better.

Q8. Are herbal remedies always safe in pregnancy?

No, many herbal products can be risky if taken without proper medical guidance—always check with your doctor first.

Q9. Is it okay to skip meals if I feel too nauseated to eat?

No, skipping meals can worsen nausea—try nibbling on dry foods like crackers or sipping lemon water instead.

Q10. When should I seek medical help for morning sickness?

If nausea is severe, lasts all day, or prevents you from eating and drinking properly, consult your doctor immediately.