I can't eat because of morning sickness. Will this be okay for my baby?

First, safety facts you should know

Your baby needs very little nutrition during the first trimester

"If I can't eat, I'm worried about my baby's development."

There are so many pregnant women who are anxious,

In fact, in the early stages of pregnancy, the fetus is only a few millimeters in size .

The nutritional requirements are very minimal.

According to obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Akito Nakai,

"The nutrients needed for these few millimeters of growth are

The mother's body's nutritional stores are sufficient."


In other words, even if you can't eat for a few days or weeks due to morning sickness,

Babies thrive on the nutrients found in the mother's body.

Reliable research results proven by the EcoChil survey

In the large-scale study "Eco-Children Survey" published in 2019,

After analyzing data from 8,631 babies,

Even if you experience severe nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy,

There was no effect on the baby's birth weight

It has become clear.

The results of this study are

This is truly encouraging data for mothers who are unable to eat due to morning sickness.


"I have to force myself to eat for the baby"

It has been scientifically proven that there is no need to worry about this.

The yolk sac provides nutrients until the placenta is formed

Until the placenta is completed around 16 weeks of pregnancy,

The baby receives nutrition from an organ called the yolk sac.

Morning sickness peaks around the 6th to 10th week of pregnancy.


It is not yet the time when a mother's diet directly affects her baby.

That's why, during the period of morning sickness,

"Eat what you can, when you can, and as much as you can."

It's okay to feel that way.

Putting mom's health first is

Ultimately, it's good for the baby too.

Dietary methods according to the type of morning sickness and symptoms

Find the solution that's right for you

Nausea: vomiting after eating

Experiences of mothers suffering from morning sickness:


"From the moment I woke up in the morning, my chest felt queasy.

Just smelling it makes me nauseous...

But I'm worried about not eating anything."

How to deal with morning sickness :

• Eat less at one time and eat 5-6 times a day
  
  
• Choose foods that are easy to digest (porridge, udon, bread, etc.)
  
  
• Cold foods are often easier to eat
  
  
• Don't force yourself to eat, and make hydration your top priority.

Foods that actually work:

Jelly, ice cream, chilled somen noodles, plum rice balls

Morning sickness: Feeling sick when hungry

What moms with morning sickness say:


"When I get hungry, I suddenly feel sick,

If you eat too much, you'll end up with an upset stomach.

I'm also worried about weight management

How to deal with morning sickness :

• Keep crackers and small rice balls by your bedside
  
  
• Choose low-calorie, chewy foods
  
  
• Konjac jelly, kelp, and vegetable sticks are recommended.
  
  
• Eat slowly and chew thoroughly to avoid a spike in blood sugar

Smell nausea: A type where certain smells make you feel sick

Moms who are troubled by morning sickness:

"The smell of freshly cooked rice, the scent of soap,

Even the perfume I normally use has become unbearable..."

How to deal with smell nausea :

• Let hot food cool before eating (it will not release its aroma)
  
  
• Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent odors from building up
  
  
• Focusing on cold and refreshing foods
  
  
• Wear a mask to block out odors

How to deal with morning sickness and drooling

If you experience morning sickness and feel sleepy, take a rest without overdoing it.

When you experience morning sickness that makes you drool, it's important to spit out fluids frequently to prevent dehydration.

Both are temporary symptoms

Let's just accept that this is just a temporary thing and deal with it.

A list of recommended foods that are easy to eat even during morning sickness!

What senior moms actually ate

Refreshing: Sourness is the savior

During morning sickness, it tends to be easier to eat sour foods.

This is because the acidity stimulates saliva production.

It is thought to aid digestion.

Sour foods that experienced moms actually ate :

• Strawberries : Rich in vitamin C and folic acid, killing two birds with one stone
  
  
• Tomatoes : High in water content and nutrients
  
  
• Pickled plums : also helps replenish salt
  
  
• Kiwifruit : Contains dietary fiber
  
  
• Grapefruit : A refreshing scent that will refresh your mood

Cold foods: Easy to eat and go down smoothly

"Even if you can't stand the smell of warm things,

Many people said that it was fine if it was cold.

One reason is that keeping it cool makes it less likely to smell.

Popular cold foods :

• Somen : Easy to digest and easy to eat
  
  
• Hiyayakko : High in protein and high in nutritional value
  
  
• Jelly : It helps with hydration and comes in a wide variety of flavors
  
  
• Ice cream : also good for replenishing calories
  
  
• Cold udon : Mild flavor and easy on the stomach

Carbohydrates: the basis of energy supply

It is relatively easy to eat even during morning sickness,

Carbohydrates are an important source of energy.

"I usually prefer rice, but

There are also testimonials such as, "I found it easier to eat bread during morning sickness."

Easy to eat carbohydrates :

• Bread : Eating it as is without toasting it will have less of an odor
  
  
• Crackers : Keep them by your bedside so you can eat them whenever you feel hungry
  
  
• Porridge : Easy to digest and gentle on the stomach
  
  
• Bananas : Easy and nutritious

Convenient foods you can buy at convenience stores

It's hard to go shopping during morning sickness.

Make use of foods that can be easily purchased at convenience stores.

• Onigiri (light rice balls with plum, kelp, etc.)
  
  
• Salad chicken (for protein)
  
  
• Yogurt (lactic acid bacteria and nutritional supplement)
  
  
• Fruit jelly (water and vitamins)
  
  
• Oral rehydration solution (to prevent dehydration)

3 nutrients you should definitely take during early pregnancy

For your baby's healthy growth

1. Folic Acid: Reduces the risk of neural tube defects by 70%

Folic acid is an essential nutrient for the development of your baby's brain and spinal cord.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare recommends that women who are planning to become pregnant and those in the early stages of pregnancy:

In addition to folic acid from the diet

It is recommended to take 400 μg of folic acid per day from a supplement .

Why supplements?

Folic acid (polyglutamic acid type) contained in food

The body only absorbs about 50% of it,

Folic acid supplements (monoglutamic acid type)

It boasts a high absorption rate of approximately 85%.

Foods high in folate :

• Spinach (110μg per 100g boiled)
  
  
• Broccoli (120μg per 100g boiled)
  
  
• Strawberries (90μg per 100g)
  
  
• Avocado (approximately 84μg per avocado)
  
  
  

2. Iron: Prevents anemia in mothers and babies

During pregnancy, blood volume increases 1.5 times,

The demand for iron also increases significantly.


During early pregnancy, 8.5 mg per day

In the middle and late stages, a dose of 21mg is recommended.

Check for signs of iron deficiency :

• Easily tired, lethargic
  
  
• Shortness of breath and palpitations
  
  
• Thinning or curling nails
  
  
• I want to crunchy ice
  
  

Tips to improve iron absorption :

Taking it with vitamin C increases absorption.

We recommend adding lemon juice or eating it with strawberries.

3. Calcium: For the development of baby's bones and teeth

During pregnancy, you need 650mg of calcium per day.

If there is a deficiency, the baby will take calcium from the mother's bones.

This increases the mother's risk of developing osteoporosis in the future.

Calcium sources that are easy to take even during morning sickness :

• Yogurt: Easy to eat and contains lactic acid bacteria
  
  
• Cheese: Small amounts are highly nutritious
  
  
• Small fish: Calcium and protein at the same time
  
  
• Tofu: Easy to eat as cold tofu

How to consider nutrition during morning sickness

We tend to think of a "balanced diet,"

During morning sickness, "you get your nutrition from what you can eat"

Let's switch to thinking.

Don't aim for perfection,

"I got some vitamin C and folic acid from the strawberries today."

"Yogurt provided calcium"

It is important to think positively.

The secret of Vitamin B6: effective in reducing morning sickness

Scientific evidence recognized overseas

Treatments recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Vitamin B6 is actually effective in reducing morning sickness.

It's medically proven.


The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Vitamin B6 is recommended as the first line of treatment for morning sickness.

Why is Vitamin B6 effective against morning sickness?

The reason is,

Vitamin B6 regulates neurotransmitters in the brain (serotonin and dopamine)

Involved in synthesis,

This is because it helps control nausea .

Recommended intake of vitamin B6 during pregnancy

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan

Pregnant women are recommended to take 1.4 mg of vitamin B6 per day.

It is important to meet this recommended amount to reduce morning sickness.

Foods high in vitamin B6 :

• Salmon (0.5mg per 80g slice)
  
  
• Chicken breast (0.6mg per 100g)
  
  
• Banana (0.3 mg per banana)
  
  
• Potatoes (1 medium potato = 0.2mg)
  
  
• Brown rice (1 bowl = 0.2 mg)
  
  
  

Practical Ways to Take Vitamin B6 During Morning Sickness

Especially during the period when it is difficult to eat due to morning sickness,

It is important to consciously take in vitamin B6.

But what if you have limited food options?

Sources of Vitamin B6 that are easy to take even during morning sickness :

• Banana : Eat it as is and it's easy to digest
  
  
• Avocado : Easy to drink when made into a smoothie
  
  
• Chicken breast : Use commercially available chicken breast as salad chicken
  
  
• Vitamin B6 Supplements : Making sure you get what you need
  
  
  
  

A drug called "Bonjesta" used overseas

Overseas, a combination of vitamin B6 and sleeping pill ingredients

There is a morning sickness treatment drug called "Bonjesta."

High effectiveness has been reported.


It may be prescribed in some clinics in Japan,

Start by getting enough vitamin B6 through your diet or supplements.

Precautions when taking vitamin B6

At the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare,

The tolerable upper intake of vitamin B6 is set at 45 mg per day.

If you take it as a supplement,

Care must be taken not to exceed this limit.


If you are unsure, consult your doctor before taking it.

How to choose and take folic acid supplements during morning sickness

Carefully selected products with no unpleasant odor

Three points to consider when choosing supplements for morning sickness

I can't even take supplements because of morning sickness...

I'm sure there are many mothers who have the same concerns.


But here's a little tip on how to choose

You can find supplements that are easy to take even during morning sickness.

1. Choose a product designed to reduce odors

Many pregnancy supplements

The surface is coated to make it tasteless and odorless.


"I don't like the smell of folic acid supplements."

It has been improved in response to feedback.

2. Check the size of the pills and the daily intake amount

Pills that are too large are difficult to swallow.


It is a small grain type with a diameter of 8 mm or less,

It is recommended to take no more than four tablets per day.


Some even require just one tablet per day.

3. Choose a product that also contains vitamin B6

As explained in the previous chapter,

Vitamin B6 is effective in reducing morning sickness.


A supplement that provides both folic acid and vitamin B6 will kill two birds with one stone.

Recommended supplements that are easy to take even during morning sickness

Example of how to choose :

• Berta Folic Acid Supplement : Small 9mm pellets coated with calcium. Also contains vitamin B6.
  
  
• Mitete Folic Acid Supplement : Small 8mm diameter tablets coated to reduce odor
  
  
• Pigeon Folic Acid Plus : The appeal is the convenience of only taking one tablet a day.
  
  
• Tsuwabee : Small grains developed specifically for morning sickness
  
  
  

Tips on how to take supplements during morning sickness

"Even taking supplements is difficult."

Here are some practical tips for moms to drink.

Get the timing right :

• Immediately after waking up in the morning (before the nausea associated with hunger sets in)
  
  
• Find a time when you feel relatively well
  
  
• Immediately after a meal (if it's easier to drink with food in your stomach)
  
  
  

Try changing your drinking habits :

• Drink with cold water (hot drinks tend to release odors)
  
  
• Drink with carbonated water (refreshing and easy to drink)
  
  
• Swallow with jelly
  
  
• Take one pill at a time
  
  
  

Alternatives for when you can't take supplements

If you absolutely cannot tolerate supplements,

Consider the following:

• Gummy type : UHA Gummy Supplement Folic Acid & Iron etc.
  
  
• Jelly type : Folic acid jelly such as Tsuwanon
  
  
• Powder type : Mix with a drink
  
  
• Folic acid fortified foods : bread and cereals with added folic acid
  
  
  

Things to consider when choosing supplements

Things to keep in mind when choosing supplements during pregnancy:

• Be careful not to overdose : The upper limit for folic acid is 1000 μg per day
  
  
• Check for additives : Avoid colorings and unnecessary beauty ingredients
  
  
• GMP certified factory manufacturing : Choose products with guaranteed safety
  
  
• Consult your doctor : Check for interactions with other medications
  
  
  

Tips for hydration and how to spot dehydration

What you need to know to prevent hyperemesis gravidarum

Why staying hydrated during morning sickness is a top priority

Even if you can't eat food,

Just make sure you stay hydrated .


Obstetricians and gynecologists all agree that "hydration is more important than food."


Because dehydration worsens morning sickness,

In the worst case scenario, you may experience "hyperemesis gravidarum" and need to be hospitalized.

Because it may progress.

Checklist for identifying dehydration symptoms

If you have more than one of the following symptoms:

You may be becoming dehydrated:

• Dark yellow urine (normal is light yellow to clear)
  
  
• A significant decrease in the amount and frequency of urination
  
  
• Sticky feeling in the mouth
  
  
• When you lightly pinch the skin and release it, it takes a long time to return to its original position
  
  
• Dizziness and unsteadiness
  
  
• Persistent headache
  
  
  
  

If you experience these symptoms, immediately rehydrate

If the condition does not improve, see a doctor.

Tips for drinking water easily even during morning sickness

Play with the temperature :

• Cold drinks : odorless, refreshing and easy to drink
  
  
• Room temperature : If you don't like cold things
  
  
• Avoid hot drinks : steam can make the smell stronger
  
  
  

Change the type of drink :

• Carbonated water : Many people said they could drink the carbonated water
  
  
• Lemon water : Its sour taste makes it easy to drink, and it also contains vitamin C.
  
  
• Barley tea : Caffeine-free and safe
  
  
• Oral rehydration solution : Ideal for preventing dehydration, drink it little by little
  
  
• Diluted sports drinks : Replenish electrolytes

Emergency measures when you can't even drink water

If you find yourself vomiting even after drinking water, that's a warning sign.

Please try the following:

Small, frequent doses :

• Take one sip at a time, every 5-10 minutes
  
  
• Suck on ice (let it melt in your mouth)
  
  
• Eat juicy fruits (watermelon, melon, etc.)

If that doesn't fix the problem :

Not being able to drink water for more than 24 hours

Or if you vomit immediately after taking it,

Please see an obstetrician-gynecologist immediately .

You may need to receive fluids and nutrients through an intravenous drip.

Experiences of senior moms on hydration

"Freeze oral rehydration solution in ice cube trays,

I licked it like ice.


I felt relieved to be able to drink a little bit of fluid."

(Ms. A, mother of two children)

"The only thing I could drink was carbonated water with a squeeze of lemon.

During my morning sickness, I would buy boxes of carbonated water."

(First-time mother, Ms. B)

Support you would like to receive from your family

• Have a variety of drinks available
  
  
• Make plenty of ice
  
  
• Check your water intake
  
  
• Watch for signs of dehydration together
  
  
  

Foods and drinks to avoid during morning sickness

Make gut-friendly choices

Foods that strain the stomach

During morning sickness, the gastrointestinal function is weakened,

Even foods that are normally fine can make your symptoms worse.

Avoid the following foods:

Greasy foods :

• Fried foods (fried chicken, tempura, french fries, etc.)
  
  
• fatty meat
  
  
• Ramen, creamy pasta
  
  
  

Reason: It takes a long time to digest and can easily cause stomach upset and nausea.

Spicy foods :

• Spicy foods (kimchi, curry, chili dishes)
  
  
• Too sour
  
  
• Highly salty foods
  
  
  

Reason: It may irritate the stomach lining and increase nausea.

Strong smelling foods

If you have symptoms of morning sickness,

Symptoms may worsen when exposed to the following foods:

• Freshly cooked rice : It tends to smell better when it's warm.
  
  
• Garlic and onions : Be careful of the smell while cooking
  
  
• Fishy smell : Even fresh fish is sensitive to odors
  
  
• Coffee : The smell of grinding beans and the aroma of dripping
  
  
• Natto : The fermented smell can be hard to resist

Drinks to be careful of during pregnancy

Caffeinated drinks :

• Coffee: 1-2 cups a day is fine
  
  
• Black tea and green tea: okay in moderation
  
  
• Energy drinks: Be careful as they contain a lot of caffeine
  
  
  

WHO recommends that caffeine intake during pregnancy should be limited to 300mg per day (about 2-3 cups of coffee)

alcohol :

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome

Avoid it completely .

There is no such thing as a "small amount is okay" that is safe.

Let's be creative with how we eat

Foods to avoid :

• Eating a large amount at once : Puts a strain on the stomach
  
  
• Eat it hot : It has a strong smell and can irritate the stomach.
  
  
• Eating quickly : prone to indigestion
  
  
• Stimulants on an empty stomach : Increases gastric acid secretion and induces nausea
  
  
  
  

Recommended way to eat :

• Smaller amounts, more frequently : 5-6 times a day
  
  
• Chew well : aids digestion
  
  
• Let it cool : Reduces odor and is gentle on the stomach
  
  
• Slow down : take your time and don't rush
  
  
  
  

What if you still want to eat it?

During morning sickness, you may find yourself craving foods that you don't normally eat.

Craving french fries and junk food

There are many pregnant women,


What should I do in this situation?

You don't have to completely hold back .


however:

• Use sparingly
  
  
• Reduce frequency (about once a week)
  
  
• Be mindful of other nutrients
  
  
• In consultation with your physical condition

The stress of not being able to eat what you want

This can make morning sickness worse.


While considering the balance,

Sometimes I decide, "Today is the day I'll eat what I like,"

It is also important to ease the burden on your mind.

How to ask your family for support

What you want your partner to read

Understanding morning sickness is the most important thing

The hardest thing about morning sickness is that the people around you don't understand.

"Maybe it's just your imagination?"

"If you eat, you'll feel better."

The word is,

This is really hurtful for moms who are suffering from morning sickness.

Morning sickness facts your partner should know :

• Morning sickness is "not an illness, but a feeling of unwellness" and is uncontrollable
  
  
• The severity and duration of symptoms vary greatly from person to person.
  
  
• Physical symptoms caused by hormonal influences, not psychological ones
  
  
• It's not something that can be cured by "trying hard".
  
  
  
  

Specific support methods

Housework support :

• Cooking : Don't cook anything that smells bad, or ensure adequate ventilation
  
  
• Shopping : Ask someone to take over grocery shopping
  
  
• Cleaning : People often dislike the smell of cleaning products
  
  
• Laundry : Reduce the scent of fabric softener
  
  
  
  

Dietary support :

• Have a variety of food and drinks available
  
  
• Instead of asking, "What do you want to eat?", present options such as, "Which is better, XX or △△?"
  
  
• I won't blame you if you can't eat it
  
  
• Make use of convenience store bento boxes and takeout
  
  
  
  
  

Support for older children

With the second or subsequent pregnancies, it becomes even more difficult as you have to deal with morning sickness while also taking care of your older child.

Consideration for older children :


・Explain in advance : "Mommy has a baby in her belly and is not feeling well"

• Prepare alternatives : Eat out or take out meals
  
  
• Support from those around you : Consider temporary childcare at your parents' home or at a nursery school.
  
  
• Daddy's turn : Take an active role in bath time and putting the baby to bed
  
  
  
  

Understanding and support in the workplace

What I would like to ask my colleagues and superiors :

• When eating foods with strong odors, pay attention to ventilation and the location.
  
  
• Understanding that morning sickness is not a sign of being spoiled
  
  
• Adjusting break times (making time to lie down for a bit)
  
  
• Adjust your commute time (avoid rush hour)
  
  
  
  
  

Emotional support

Words of encouragement :

• "Good job, that's tough."
  
  
• "Don't push yourself."
  
  
• "Right now, the most important thing is to raise the baby."
  
  
• "Let's do ○○ together once your morning sickness is over."
  
  
  
  

Words to avoid :

• "Maybe it's just your imagination?"
  
  
• "It wasn't that bad in my time."
  
  
• "If you don't eat, I'll worry about the baby."
  
  
• "How long will this last?"
  
  
  

Emergency preparedness

Emergency signs to share with your family:

• Being completely dehydrated for more than 12 hours
  
  
• Vomiting more than five times a day
  
  
• Lose more than 2 kg in a week
  
  
• Little urine production
  
  
• Loss of consciousness
  
  
  
  

If you experience these symptoms,

Make sure your family members contact an obstetrician-gynecologist immediately and make an appointment.

Advice from an experienced dad

"My wife's morning sickness seems to be painful,

I didn't know what to do.


But it seems like just being with him made him feel safe.


I took turns doing housework and buying her things she liked.

I think the most important thing is to make people feel like they're not alone."

(Mr. C, father of three children)

What to do if morning sickness becomes severe

Guidelines for visiting a hospital and treatment

What is hyperemesis gravidarum?

Morning sickness has become so severe that it interferes with daily life.

It's called "hyperemesis gravidarum."


This condition occurs in 0.5 to 2% of all pregnant women and requires treatment .

Diagnostic criteria for hyperemesis gravidarum :

• Weight loss of 5% or more (2.5 kg or more for a 50 kg person)
  
  
• Dehydration (decreased urine output, dizziness, unsteadiness)
  
  
• Nutritional disorders (ketone body positive)
  
  
• Electrolyte abnormalities (sodium and potassium abnormalities)
  
  
  
  

Symptoms that require immediate medical attention

If any of the following symptoms apply to you:

See your obstetrician-gynaecologist immediately :

Urgency: High

• No fluid intake for more than 24 hours
  
  
• No urine for more than 12 hours
  
  
• Loss of consciousness
  
  
• Accompanied by severe abdominal pain
  
  
• Persistent high fever (over 38°C)
  
  
  
  

Urgency: Medium (visit within a few days)

• I lost 2-3 kg in a week.
  
  
• Continued vomiting of more than five times a day
  
  
• Dark-colored urine, significantly less
  
  
• Dizziness and lightheadedness when standing up
  
  
  
  

Hospital treatment

Outpatient treatment :

• Intravenous therapy : Replenishing fluids, electrolytes, and vitamins
  
• Prescription Antinausea Medications: Safe for Pregnancy
  
• Vitamin B6 prescription : Expected to reduce morning sickness
  
• Nutritional guidance : Suggestions for easy-to-eat foods

Hospital treatment :

If outpatient treatment does not improve the condition,

If the symptoms are severe, you will be hospitalized for treatment.

• 24-hour continuous infusion : reliable hydration and nutritional support
  
  
• Rest Therapy : Stress reduction and physical recovery
  
  
• Drug therapy : Appropriate drug treatment according to symptoms
  
  
• Nutritional management : High-calorie infusion as needed
  
  
  

How to spend your time during treatment

Preparations for hospitalization :

• Hospitalization is not a big deal, but rather a treatment for the safety of mother and child
  
  
• Get plenty of rest without feeling guilty
  
  
• Make a concrete plan for life after symptoms improve
  
  
• Maintain close contact with family members and establish a support system
  
  
  
  

Precautions after discharge

Key points to prevent recurrence :

• Don't overdo it : Adjust your activity level to suit your physical condition
  
  
• Regular hydration : Prevent dehydration
  
  
• Stress reduction : Reduce the burden of housework and work
  
  
• Regular checkups : Share any changes in symptoms with your doctor
  
  
  
  

About the end of morning sickness

Morning sickness will definitely come to an end .

In most cases, symptoms begin to subside between 12 and 16 weeks of pregnancy.


It may feel like a long and difficult period, but once you get through it, you will enter a stable period.

You will be able to enjoy your maternity life.

Message from a senior mom who has overcome morning sickness :

"During the middle of my morning sickness, I was anxious every day, wondering, 'How long will this last?'

But after the 16th week, it suddenly got easier.

Food started to taste better.

Because of that difficult time,

It makes me appreciate my current happiness even more."

(Ms. D, mother of two)

Final Thoughts: Don't Strive for Perfection

During morning sickness

"You have to eat properly."

"I need to get some nutrition"

I tend to feel pressured,

It doesn't have to be perfect .


Eat what you can, drink what you can, and rest when you can.

That's all you need.

Babies are much stronger than moms think.

He is growing up strong.


Taking care of the mother's own health is

Ultimately, it's good for the baby too.

Don't carry it alone,

Talk to your family and medical staff

Let's get through this special time.

I'm sure you'll have a wonderful maternity life.