People call it “morning sickness” but I’ve been feeling sick all day long! It’s hard for me to keep my food down. How and when can I start to feel better (I’m 9 weeks pregnant)?

Oh, I feel for you. Feeling queasy and nauseated is an awful way to begin your pregnancy. It’s probably also difficult for you to eat. Most women experience “morning sickness” or feel seasick until their 12th week, when hormone levels begin to stabilize. If a pregnant mom is throwing up continuously, she’ll need to be in touch with her OB provider right away. There are many ways that you can help feel better and some that require a prescription.

Hang in there. In the meantime, here are some quick tips:

• Ask for a prescription of Premesis. This is a prenatal vitamin that contains only Calcium, Folic acid, B6, and B12. These 2 vitamins help moms feel better and the Calcium and Folic acid are the 2 necessary nutrients for the baby right now. I prescribe Premesis to my patients all the time when they’re too queasy to take their regular vitamin.
   
• Try ginger - ginger ale, ginger cookies, or candied ginger. You can just suck on some ginger candy and get the same stomach calming effect as if you swallowed it.
   
• Mix water and juice. Plain water is too bland, and juice is too sweet. Either one by itself can cause vomiting, so mix up a 1⁄2 of a glass and either take tiny sips or try a teaspoon at a time. Use clear juices like apple, grape, or cranberry.
   
• To stay hydrated, try popsicles, cut up fruit (such as watermelon), and Jell-O.
   
• Eat many small meals. Large meals on an empty stomach tend to come right back up.

Good luck!