Tea for Morning Sickness
By Barbara Parker, RN, ARNP, CNM

Q. I am 10 weeks pregnant and having nausea and occasional vomiting from the time I get up in the morning until I curl into bed at night (have also had it during the middle of the night). Someone suggested I use Celestial Seasonings Sleepy Time tea to settle my tummy. I bought some, but it says to contact doctor before using if pregnant. Why is that? Is it safe if I use it? My doctor gave me Phenergan, but it makes me too sleepy to take care of my son.

A. Sleepy time tea is ok to use, as long as it doesn't have black or blue cohosh in it. Camomile is wonderful, and sometimes helpful. Ginger root tea is also helpful for tummies.

You can try "Sea Bands" or ask your doctor about a device called "Relief Bands" which is a non-medicine way to help nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.

Try grazing by eating six small meals daily instead of three large ones. And just drink sips, never gulp.

As far as medication is concerned, I have good luck with dramamine; it doesn't make you as sleepy as Phenergan. I also recommend Zofran 4-8 mg every eight hours. It's very expensive, but VERY effective. Sometimes just Zantac will help, 150 mg. twice a day.

Hang in there, this should pass soon!