Let's talk morning sickness and Hyperemesis Gravidarum prevention, okay?
With my first - I didn't eat very much for 3 months, didn't vomit once & lost 14 lbs.
With my second - I did a lot of pregnancy prep beforehand, had nausea and vomitting, but not bad & ended up only losing 6 lbs. My prep wasn't focused on nausea/vomiting.
With my third - my body and mind went into shock, I was hospitalized many times, I could not function, I lost 22 lbs from week 5-12, I vomited until I delivered. It was awful and I can not put my family through that ever again.
Thinking I would love to add one more person to our family sometime, I'm trying to research ways to prevent/reduce morning sickness.
UPDATE We ended up getting pregnant again!
I had been prepping for about a year after doing a postpartum cleanse. Everything paid off!!!! Not only did I NEVER get nauseous or vomit, but I actually gained weight my first trimester! I credit pre-pregnancy prepping and IMMEDIATE preemptive treatment upon pos pregnancy test with this! More details in the thread about what I specifically chose to do. What I did.
This is what seems the most effective:
1. B-6 Prenatally. 50 mg 3x per day (can't absorb a lot at a time) with Vitamin C. I actually did this while TTC #2 but not for the morning sickness relief. Not by coincidence it was my easiest pregnancy as far as nausea and vomiting go. Use during first trimester and beyond if nausea persists.
2. And, then this is really the big one (i've posted this elsewhere, too, fyi)
Milk Thistle - 2 caplets per day (bottle should say at least 70% silymarin)Prepregnancy & 3 caplets per day once confirmed.
I've recently come across some really REALLY wonderful info for mamas who suffered from Morning Sickness or hyperemisis (HG) in other pregnancies or dealing with current liver / gallbladder issues.
The information & success stories look SO good!
Here's a link at MDC where the mamas in a due date group tried it (also Dandelion Root which is similar) http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=738798
I came women swearing by Milk Thistle for battling M/S It's used 2 months+ before conception & then through the 1st trimester or nausea ends. Here is the program according to Shonda Barker, Naturally Healthy Pregnancy (this is a wonderful book with great info and the author presents it in a very faith based format:
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The Milk Thistle preconception seems to be the most important time to take it, and then continue during pregnancy. I'll just add that during pregnancy info, since the borrowed book is in front of me right now.
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From her website:
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3. If you are going to use medicine for nausea/vomitting starting them at the very first sign of nausea, is best.
4. Whole foods diet & water with lemon. Eating well and drinking well puts less stress on the liver. Lemon is a very gentle liver detoxifier.
5. Wild Yam Root - After pregnancy has been confirmed, at the very very first signs of nausea take this herb. Do NOT take it while TTC, it can have a birth control effect. 1 to 2 tsp three times of day of the dried wild yam herb. As tincture take 2 to 4 mL three times daily. It's also good for threatened miscarriage. From http://www.sisterzeus.com/wildyam.htm
"Wild yam has many effects on the body, among other things, its very good for the liver and endocrine system, by toning and nourishing the liver it helps to balance hormone production. Wild yam is very well known for its steroidal saponins (chemical constitutes in the plant) contained within particularly diosgein, an important hormonal precursor for progesterone. Precursors provide necessary elements or building blocks to produce and balance the hormones progesterone and cortisone." It's also used for threatened miscarriages because it affects progesterone levels. It's not a very studied herb by the medical community. Herbalists & Midwives have been using it routinely for years for other pregnancy related and menopausal issues.
This is from an e-mail to our local parents group:
Quote:
6. Ginger - Use at the slightest sign of nausea after pregnancy has been confirmed. The rule of thumb for amount of ginger is to take it until you can taste it. At that point, your body has had enough.
From Naturally Healthy Pregnancy by Shonda Parker pg 171:
Quote:
7. False Unicorn tincture - This is similar to Wild Yam Root. Take it at first sign of nausea. Works well in unison with False Unicorn. http://www.natural-medicinal-herbs.c...se-unicorn.htm Dosage: As tincture 1/2-1 teaspoon of false unicorn is recommended three times daily. If taking the dried root, take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon (1-2 grams) three times per day.
8. Homeopathy - Most homeopaths agree that pre-TTC is the best time to start a reginime if you've had a history of severe M/S or HG during previous pregnancies. Going to a trained homepath ASAP is really important. If you feel like you want to look into homeopathic care, here's a good link to determine which remedy would be best for you. Keep in mind that there's NO substitute for a trained homeopathic Dr. though! http://www.truestarhealth.com/Notes/2243000.html and in quiz form http://abchomeopathy.com/c.php/95
What else do you think would help eliminate vomitting pre-pregnancy/1st trimester? (I'm not looking for crackers and flat 7-Up suggestions, we're talking prevention)
With my first - I didn't eat very much for 3 months, didn't vomit once & lost 14 lbs.
With my second - I did a lot of pregnancy prep beforehand, had nausea and vomitting, but not bad & ended up only losing 6 lbs. My prep wasn't focused on nausea/vomiting.
With my third - my body and mind went into shock, I was hospitalized many times, I could not function, I lost 22 lbs from week 5-12, I vomited until I delivered. It was awful and I can not put my family through that ever again.
Thinking I would love to add one more person to our family sometime, I'm trying to research ways to prevent/reduce morning sickness.
UPDATE We ended up getting pregnant again!

This is what seems the most effective:
1. B-6 Prenatally. 50 mg 3x per day (can't absorb a lot at a time) with Vitamin C. I actually did this while TTC #2 but not for the morning sickness relief. Not by coincidence it was my easiest pregnancy as far as nausea and vomiting go. Use during first trimester and beyond if nausea persists.
2. And, then this is really the big one (i've posted this elsewhere, too, fyi)
Milk Thistle - 2 caplets per day (bottle should say at least 70% silymarin)Prepregnancy & 3 caplets per day once confirmed.
I've recently come across some really REALLY wonderful info for mamas who suffered from Morning Sickness or hyperemisis (HG) in other pregnancies or dealing with current liver / gallbladder issues.
The information & success stories look SO good!
Here's a link at MDC where the mamas in a due date group tried it (also Dandelion Root which is similar) http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=738798
I came women swearing by Milk Thistle for battling M/S It's used 2 months+ before conception & then through the 1st trimester or nausea ends. Here is the program according to Shonda Barker, Naturally Healthy Pregnancy (this is a wonderful book with great info and the author presents it in a very faith based format:
Quote:
If morning sickness was a problem during a previous pregnancy, milk thistle extrat (standarized to contian at least 70% silymarin) is of great benefit to aid the liver's functions. Recommened amount: 280 mg per day. Dandelion is a gentler liver stimulant if a milder liver tonic is desired. (p23) |
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I have tried many remedies during my pregnancies - some have worked well, some worked a little, others worked not at all. I had hyperemesis gravidum (vomitting repeatedly, unable to hold anything down) with my eldest child which was medically treated... With my fourth child, I had no morning sickness whatsoever... I have come to believe through my own experience and the experience of others that the root of the problem for many women is inadequate liver support during a period of greater demands on this vital organ. If moms begin preparing their bodies for pregnancy prior to conception they will have a better chance of avoiding morning sickness (as well as other factors). (lists morning sickness recommendations) 2. I have found milk thistle (standardized to contain at least 70% - 80% silymarin) to be invaluable in preventing morning sickness. I began taking 2 tablets each day two months prior to this pregnancy and increased to 3 tablets daily when our pregnancy was confirmed. Milk thistle is liver supportive and protective. I feel this is why it worked so well to prevent the nausea and vomiting I have had with every other pregnancy. This would be especially helpful for those mom who vommit bile during pregnancy. (p170-171) |
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Morning Sickness Q.I just wanted to let you know that I am at the beginning of my 7th pregnancy...the 6th one that has gotten a good start....and for the very first time have not experienced the horrible morning sickness and exhaustion that I have with all the others! I believe it is the mercy and blessing of God through the advice that you offer...Entrox, Milk thistle Phytosome and AbsorbAid three times a day with meals along with a good prenatal and calcium. I'm still in total amazement and awe! I only hoped it would really work, but was skeptical until now! I have a friend who tried this as well with her 5th pregnancy with the same astounding results!!! WOW! I can't tell you how grateful I am to be able to be a "normal" mommy to my other children while carrying a new babe!! I had asked many months ago about a different source for the Milk Thistle Phytosome by Natural Factors as well as the Entrox...because I could not obtain those locally. I did find a source for Entrox by NOW that does not have any added Vitamin E. (just an FYI) Also, Enzymatic Therapy makes a Silybin Phytosome that I think is very similar if not the same as the milk thistle phytosome you recommend...and there are a few web sites that sell this brand. I bought mine from Vitamin Shoppe. The NOW Entrox I bought through BetterLife.com. Anyway, just thought I'd let you know so if you have opportunity to pass it along to other moms weary of morning sickness....again, I so appreciate your help! You are an angel! I hope you are thoroughly enjoying your new babe. love, Natalie A. Natalie, I'm thrilled to hear of other mothers benefiting as I did from these three supplements during early pregnancy "sick" times. May God be praised! |
4. Whole foods diet & water with lemon. Eating well and drinking well puts less stress on the liver. Lemon is a very gentle liver detoxifier.
5. Wild Yam Root - After pregnancy has been confirmed, at the very very first signs of nausea take this herb. Do NOT take it while TTC, it can have a birth control effect. 1 to 2 tsp three times of day of the dried wild yam herb. As tincture take 2 to 4 mL three times daily. It's also good for threatened miscarriage. From http://www.sisterzeus.com/wildyam.htm
"Wild yam has many effects on the body, among other things, its very good for the liver and endocrine system, by toning and nourishing the liver it helps to balance hormone production. Wild yam is very well known for its steroidal saponins (chemical constitutes in the plant) contained within particularly diosgein, an important hormonal precursor for progesterone. Precursors provide necessary elements or building blocks to produce and balance the hormones progesterone and cortisone." It's also used for threatened miscarriages because it affects progesterone levels. It's not a very studied herb by the medical community. Herbalists & Midwives have been using it routinely for years for other pregnancy related and menopausal issues.
This is from an e-mail to our local parents group:
Quote:
Removed because I didn't have permission from original author. Basically said Wild Yam Root saved her pregnancy. |
6. Ginger - Use at the slightest sign of nausea after pregnancy has been confirmed. The rule of thumb for amount of ginger is to take it until you can taste it. At that point, your body has had enough.
From Naturally Healthy Pregnancy by Shonda Parker pg 171:
Quote:
The herb ginger has recieved a great deal of praise and validation from the scientific community due to its superior ability to curb nausea and vommitting associated with pregnancy, seasickness, motion sickness, stomach virus and post-operative nausea. Morning sickness treated with ginger had a 75% success rate in clinical trials. Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D. stated in his book, Herbal Tonic Therapies, that the best form of ginger for effective application in the gastrointensinal tract is the encapsulated powder. The main rule of the with ginger root is, "Use it till you taste it." This is gingers own built-in dosage regulator. A general dosage for morning sickness is 3 to 5 capsules before getting out of bed. After taking the capsules, mom should stay in bed until the nausea is relieved, then she should take 3 to 5 capsules at the slightest hint of nausea. |
8. Homeopathy - Most homeopaths agree that pre-TTC is the best time to start a reginime if you've had a history of severe M/S or HG during previous pregnancies. Going to a trained homepath ASAP is really important. If you feel like you want to look into homeopathic care, here's a good link to determine which remedy would be best for you. Keep in mind that there's NO substitute for a trained homeopathic Dr. though! http://www.truestarhealth.com/Notes/2243000.html and in quiz form http://abchomeopathy.com/c.php/95
What else do you think would help eliminate vomitting pre-pregnancy/1st trimester? (I'm not looking for crackers and flat 7-Up suggestions, we're talking prevention)