Nausea is thought to be caused by the slowing of the bowels and an increased sense of smell. This occurs because the hormones that are produced to keep the uterus from contracting also keep the bowels from contracting. The slowing of the bowels also allows the body to absorb every ounce of water and gather all available nutrients for maintaining the pregnancy. This can sometimes cause nausea with a headache due to dehydration.

Nausea can occur at any time in pregnancy; it is not limited to a set time of day nor is it limited to a set part of the pregnancy.

Heartburn is part of the same problem: hormones. Hormones that allow the ligaments and cartilage to expand also keep the sphincter between the stomach and the esophagus slightly relaxed. This can result in stomach acid rising into the esophagus and producing heartburn.

Gas is formed in the bowel as a result of the slowed motility. Food that normally would be processed and evacuated lingers and continues to break down releasing a variety of gasses, such as methane and sulphur. This causes increased burping, flatulence and bloating feelings.

Nausea

• Dry soda crackers, just a few
• Papaya enzyme tablets, as needed
• Raspberry leaf tea, as needed
• Ginger tea, as needed
• Smaller more frequent meals
• Eat whenever you are hungry
• More complex carbohydrates
• Eat and drink things at room temperature

Avoid
• Fatty, fried or greasy food
• Spicy or strongly flavoured foods
• Heavy proteins

Heartburn

• Ginger tablets, as needed
• Elevate head of bed to be at an incline
• Antacids as a last resort

Avoid
• Spicy, fatty or greasy foods
• Mixing liquids and solids when eating
• Lying down after eating

Gas

• Chew simethicone tablets

Avoid
• Gas-producing foods, such as beans, cauliflower, cabbage, heavy proteins
• Large, fatty meals
• Spicy foods
• Carbonated beverages