7 Weeks Pregnant Exhausted and Nauseous
First of all, I’m sending you the biggest virtual hug! Early pregnancy can feel overwhelming, and it’s okay to say that out loud. You’re doing an amazing job already, even if it doesn’t feel like it. Growing a little human takes a lot of energy, and that’s why you’re feeling this way. So, give yourself some credit—you’re already a superstar!
Let’s talk about some ways to help manage the nausea and boost your energy so you can feel a little more like yourself. Here are some tips that might make things a bit easier:
🌿 Natural Remedies for Nausea
Ginger – Your Nausea-Fighting Friend
Ginger is one of the most effective natural remedies for nausea. Studies have shown that it can significantly reduce pregnancy-related nausea. Try ginger tea, ginger candies, or even a small piece of fresh ginger to chew on when you’re feeling queasy.
Quick Tip: Keep a few ginger snacks by your bedside or in your bag to nibble on before nausea hits.
Peppermint – A Refreshing Relief
Peppermint tea or inhaling peppermint essential oil can be surprisingly calming. The scent alone can help settle your stomach and give you a bit of a fresh feeling.
Quick Tip: Put a drop of peppermint oil on a tissue to carry around and sniff when nausea sneaks up on you.
Lemon – The Citrus Saviour
The scent of lemon is known to help with nausea. Studies suggest that lemon oil can reduce feelings of sickness, making it a natural remedy worth trying.
Quick Tip: Keep a lemon handy—sniff it or add a slice to your water to enjoy its calming effect.
🥗 Small Lifestyle Tweaks
Small, Frequent Meals – Keep the Nausea Away
Instead of eating big meals, go for smaller, more frequent snacks throughout the day. Keeping your blood sugar stable can really help prevent those sudden waves of nausea.
Quick Tip: Snack on things like crackers, nuts, or yogurt every couple of hours to keep your stomach from getting too empty.
Stay Hydrated – Sip, Don’t Chug
Staying hydrated is super important, but gulping down a lot at once might make you feel worse. Sipping on herbal teas like chamomile or mint throughout the day can be easier on your tummy.
Quick Tip: Try carrying a water bottle with you so you can sip often. Herbal teas are a great option if you need a break from plain water.
Vitamin B6 – A Little Nutritional Boost
Vitamin B6 has been shown to help reduce nausea during pregnancy. If you're considering adding this to your routine, chat with your healthcare provider to find the right dosage for you.
Quick Tip: Ask your doctor about the best Vitamin B6 supplement to safely include in your diet.
🧘♀️ Gentle Movement for Energy
Move at Your Own Pace – Tiny Steps Count!
We know that the idea of moving when you’re feeling exhausted seems impossible, but gentle activities like prenatal yoga or stretching can boost your energy levels without wiping you out.
Quick Tip: Try the Child’s Pose—it’s a gentle yoga pose that calms your mind and stretches your back. Even just a minute or two can make a difference!
Fresh Air Walks – A Quick Energy Boost
Sometimes a short walk in fresh air can work wonders to lift that heavy feeling of fatigue. You don’t have to do much, just take a few deep breaths and let your body move naturally.
Quick Tip: If the weather’s nice, step outside for 5-10 minutes and see how you feel. Even the smallest bit of movement can help lift your spirits.
💆♀️ Comfort and Self-Care
Acupressure Wristbands – Gentle Relief
Acupressure wristbands apply pressure to a point on your wrist that can help with nausea. They’re a great go-to if you’re already prone to motion sickness.
Quick Tip: Wear them in the morning before getting out of bed to help prevent the day’s nausea before it starts.
Aromatherapy – Scents That Soothe
Essential oils like peppermint, ginger, or chamomile can be wonderful for easing nausea. Just a few drops on your wrist or in a diffuser can help calm your senses.
Quick Tip: Try a blend of peppermint and chamomile oil on your wrists and inhale when you need a quick dose of calm.
🧡 Mindset Shifts and Self-Compassion
Release the Guilt – You’re Doing Enough!
It’s okay to feel frustrated when you’re used to being super active. But remember, your body is doing something truly incredible, and rest is a huge part of that process. Be gentle with yourself.
Quick Tip: Whenever you catch yourself feeling guilty, remind yourself that resting is exactly what your body needs right now.
Positive Affirmations – A Little Self-Love
Repeat to yourself: “I trust this journey and welcome new life with an open heart.” Reminding yourself of your strength and patience can help lift your spirits, even on the toughest days.
🚑 When to Seek Extra Help
If you’re unable to keep food or fluids down for more than a day or if your nausea is severe, it’s always a good idea to reach out to your healthcare provider. Sometimes, a little extra support is exactly what you need to feel better.
Remember, you’re doing an incredible job even when it doesn’t feel like it. You’re stronger than you think, and this phase will pass. You’ve got this, and every day that goes by, you’re one step closer to meeting your little one. Be kind to yourself
Think twice before following any of these suggestions people often provide.
Myth: Drinking sparkling water or soda will get rid of nausea.
While carbonation can sometimes help with nausea, it doesn’t work for everyone and can sometimes worsen symptoms, especially if the drink contains caffeine or high sugar content. The acid in soda might also irritate the stomach.
Myth: The "worst weeks" of nausea are fixed.
Claims like "week 9 is the worst" or that there are specific weeks when nausea peaks are overly generalized. Everyone’s experience with nausea during pregnancy is unique, and there is no universal rule for when it will be at its worst or when it will ease.
Eating foods like chicken nuggets, meatball subs, or specific snack foods is universally effective.
While some individuals find relief in certain foods, these suggestions are highly personal and may not work for everyone. Processed foods and heavy meals could actually worsen nausea for others.
Taking over-the-counter supplements or medications without consultation.
Some comments suggest supplements like magnesium or hydration packets without advising a check with a healthcare provider. Even if these are generally safe, it’s important for pregnant individuals to consult their doctor before trying new supplements.
"Just push through it" or "keep busy."
Suggesting that someone push through their symptoms or stay busy without adequate rest can lead to exhaustion and added stress. Listening to your body and allowing it to rest is crucial in early pregnancy.
Saying that nausea completely disappears after the first trimester.
Although nausea commonly lessens after the first trimester, it doesn’t completely disappear for everyone. Some may continue to experience it throughout their pregnancy.
"Chewing gum" as a consistent solution.
While chewing gum can help some people by increasing saliva and reducing acid, it’s not a guaranteed remedy for everyone. Mint-flavored gum might work, but for others, it can increase bloating or discomfort.