Morning sickness is something many women suffer with during pregnancy, at least during the first trimester. There are various ways to help combat morning sickness, and we’re sharing some of our favorites.

Eat early and often.
Starting your day off with a few whole grain crackers can really help your stomach feel more settled because an empty stomach can make your sickness worse. Throughout the day, make sure that you are eating little snacks often to steady your stomach.

Avoid processed and fatty foods. 
Processed and fatty foods are kind of terrible for you anyway but can be especially irritating during pregnancy. Aim for a diet rich in lean proteins and whole grains, and try to skip rich, spicy, acidic or fried foods.

Try using peppermint and ginger. 
Peppermint and ginger are two herbs that can help with nausea if used in moderation. Try steeping a cup of peppermint or ginger tea to help settle and soothe your stomach.

Find the foods that work for you.
While there may be some morning sickness staples that most people try, it’s important to find out which foods help you feel better. So if it happens to be a little chocolate (which has worked for one of us) or sucking on a Jolly Rancher, do whatever works for you.

Track your nausea.
Sometimes morning sickness doesn’t happen in the morning. Sometimes it happens in the evening, or maybe it lasts all day. Tracking your nausea can help you figure out your peak sick times, and help you to plan accordingly.

Talk to your doctor. 
Don’t be afraid to consult with your doctor or midwife if you feel your nausea is out of control. They can help empower you with more information, and can also prescribe you medicine if necessary. Don’t ignore your symptoms if they are causing you tremendous discomfort, you may have and need medical intervention.

Take a rest. 
This might not be possible all the time, but when you can, rest. When necessary, take a sick day or hire a babysitter.

Sniff a lemon. 
Admittedly, this one seems odd, but many say that smelling a freshly cut lemon helps stave off nausea. As does putting lemon slices in your water or tea.

Stay hydrated. 
Making sure you’re drinking enough water is key, so try sipping little amounts throughout the day to help stave off nausea.