This pregnancy (my fifth) has been my absolute easiest by far! My pregnancies had been getting easier as I’ve learned more about health and real food, but this one held a surprising difference! So much so, in fact, that I was really glad to hear a heart beat to make sure I was indeed pregnant.
To help understand what a change this had been for me, I should explain: I never had morning sickness to the level that several of my friends have had. I never came close to being hospitalized, though I didn’t usually eat much the first few months.
With my first especially, the smell of food would sometimes leave me running for the nearest bathroom or bushes. The worst part, for me, was the fatigue. Especially after the first one, I didn’t have time to be tired, but the first few months, I’d play with my kids or read to them while laying on their bedroom floor, and I’d fall asleep any chance I got.
This time, I was a little more tired but didn’t notice it at all if I got to bed by 10 p.m. There were mornings that I didn’t feel like eating right away, but I wasn’t repulsed by food. One time, I chugged a huge glass of water and took Fermented Cod Liver Oil on an empty stomach and had a little nausea for about 10 minutes, but that was pretty much the extent of it. (For the record I don’t recommend that…)
What Changed?
How to Avoid Pregnancy Induced Morning Sickness
Being the health nut that I am, I have food and supplement journals from at least parts of all of my pregnancies. I’d also been working on improving certain nutrient levels over the last year, so I knew what things I had specifically been focusing on that could have made a difference.
The things that had changed since my last pregnancy with respect to diet/supplements:
- Started actually remembering to take fermented cod liver oil daily
- Daily magnesium intake as I worked to intensively boost magnesium levels (this post explains what I used)
- Added daily bone broth while son is on GAPS program
- Upped protein intake BEFORE I got pregnant this time (not intentionally, but we bought part of a cow and my daily protein intake increased)
- Was eating very little/no processed foods, sugars, etc (didn’t change, but notable)
Looking back, I’d rank the factors that changed in this order of importance:
- Using Magnesium Oil on my skin!
- Taking 1-2 teaspoons per day of Fermented Cod Liver Oil
- Drinking Bone broth daily
- Eating protein/avoiding processed foods
Why Magnesium?
I started researching to see if there was any actual evidence backing my theory that magnesium made the difference. I found some articles by naturally minded doctors and midwives that seemed to support the idea (or at least promote it as not harmful) and this post from Mommypotamus that talked about her experience with Magnesium. (I always love finding other actual pregnant women who had the same experience!)
I’ve also been randomly asking pregnant friends about their intake of magnesium containing foods and there does seem to be a correlation. (Asking friends how much seaweed and unrefined sea salt they consume daily is totally normal, right?) In fact, one person I know was doing the same protocol I was and had virtually no morning sickness either!
What Kind of Magnesium?
Here is what I did (from a previous post):
The best way to supplement with magnesium, in my opinion, is by using it on the skin. This is not only the safest way, since the body will only use what is needed, but the most effective.
Unlike internal doses of magnesium, topical magnesium does not have to pass through the digestive system and kidneys and can more quickly enter the blood and tissues of the body.
I have experimented with a variety of magnesium supplements over the years and now stick exclusively to topical magnesium spray because I found it to be the most effective (and cost effective!).
In fact, I was suffering from low Vitamin D for years despite spending regular time in the sun and taking supplemental D3 at the suggestion of my doctor. Magnesium is needed for proper Vitamin D absorption and it wasn’t until I increased my use of magnesium on my skin that my Vitamin D levels finally went up. (This is the one I used)
If you’d like to learn more about the importance of magnesium and its various actions in the body, I’d suggest the book The Magnesium Miracle by Carolyn Dean.
Since digestion changes during pregnancy, it can be difficult to absorb magnesium correctly, especially once you are pregnant. I found the magnesium oil seemed to be the easiest for me to absorb, and even before pregnancy, I noticed the biggest difference in my regularity (ahem) from the skin oil.
Magnesium is also an important mineral during pregnancy, so even if you are already pregnant, it would be worth a try to lessen morning sickness.
Why Fermented Cod Liver Oil?
Fermented Cod Liver Oil is a great source of Vitamins D & A and Omega-3s. Vitamin D is essential for proper absorption and use of magnesium in the body, so this likely also helped the magnesium be more effective. Many women find they do better from consuming enough healthy fats and proteins in early pregnancy (magnesium aside) and Fermented Cod Liver Oil is a great source of healthy fats.
The Weston A. Price Foundation recommends Fermented Cod Liver Oil as a superfood during pregnancy for proper development of baby’s brain, bone structure, and more. At the least, I think the Fermented Cod Liver Oil was good for the baby, but I suspect that it also contributed to my lack of morning sickness.
Protein + Fats
I think the other factor that made a difference was that in very early pregnancy (before I found out and before morning sickness would have hit anyway) I was already eating a lot of healthy fats and proteins daily. My intake was already up and supportive of the pregnancy and healthy blood sugar levels before they started becoming a problem. My daily protein intake these days typically includes:
- 3-4 eggs
- Some form of healthy meat at every meal
- 2 cups (average) of homemade bone broth daily
- 2-4 Tablespoons of Coconut Oil
- 2+ tablespoons grass fed butter
- Coconut based snacks like coconut cream
- Various other forms of protein and fat like tallow used in cooking, bison for snack, etc.
I also try to consume 3-4 cups+ of vegetables each day, usually in soups or with meats. I’ve found that I usually prefer cooked vegetables in early pregnancy anyway so steamed veggies with butter are on the daily menu.
Not only do I feel better this time, but I’m confident that I’m giving my baby a good start too. (I’m also taking probiotics and optimizing gut bacteria to give baby the best start after birth, but more info in another post on that soon…)
This is certainly my own experience, and nothing scientific, but the difference has been dramatic for me, and I’d love to hear if any of you have experience with this as well or if it works for you in the future!
What do you think? Does it sound crazy? Would you try it? Have you tried it? Weigh in below!
I have been feeling sick almost every time I’m cooking food, would the fermented cod liver oil and magnesium help?
They still might. They are most effective if started before pregnancy but will probably still offer some benefit
Is Carlson’s Cod Liver Oil Capsules the same as the fermented cod liver oil? this pregnancy app I put on my ipad said to stop taking cod liver oil/fish oil because the vitamin A was too high and I noticed that when I did, I haven’t had as much morning nausea ( I always take my CLO before I go to work in the morning)…
thanks for your tips
The FCLO has it in proper balance with Vitamin D to protect against too much Vitamin A but it should also only be consumed with the pregnancy diet
Wait, are you saying that Carlson’s cod liver oil IS or IS not safe in regards to vitamin A? I take Carlson’s as opposed to the FCLO because it’s more affordable, though I realize FCLO is the ideal choice. We’re going to go for baby #2 next year and I’m wondering if it’s safe to take Carlson’s during the pregnancy? I always figured that since it was in its natural food state, the levels could not be toxic. Is this the case or…? TIA! I really appreciate your insight!
I would feel comfortable taking it but I also might take a specific Omega-3 with DHA/EPA (this is the one I take: https://wellnessmama.com/go/omega3/
I am 6.5 weeks pregnant with my fifth, I’m normally starting morning sickness around week 5. Last pregnancy was horrible, I was miserable and I had read that B-12 helps. After reading this post two weeks ago, I started taking a prenatal, a b-12, a magnesium tablet and cod liver oil tablet (bought CVS brand of all) daily. The only time I feel a little sick is if I have gone too long without eating. Otherwise I feel good. So much so, I’m worried because I associated morning sickness with the pregnancy progressing successfully. I started googling today to see if I my supplements were ok and came across this post from the very same site that I got the idea to take the supplements. So prayerfully, I will not get morning sickness. I don’t know if it is the magnesium or the b-12.
Glad it helped and prayers for a healthy and wonderful pregnancy and delivery.
I’m 7 weeks pregnant. I was suffering with terrible morning sickness..I didn’t wanna be anywhere near food. Even when I do eat the after taste in my mouth made me wanna vomit. After seeing this post I bought a magnesium oil and I can already feel it’s working..its the second day usong it and I would say it eased 70% of my morning sickness
Do you know approximately how much magnesium is in 1 spray of your recipe for magnesium oil. I read somewhere on your blog that pregnant women should not exceed 500mg of magnesium per day so I just want to make sure I’m not taking too much. My vits (Shaklee) have 200mg and I’ve been using 8-10 sprays of the magnesium oil.
Thanks!
I just wanted to thank you for this article. I am 7 weeks pregnant with my 5th and I have been worried a bit because I feel good! I had morning sickness with all the others. However, this is my first pregnancy since one of my children was diagnosed with autism, and so in an effort to give this baby the best chance possible, I cleaned up my diet dramatically. I’m doing everything that I think might possibly help. This included switching to everything natural which was quite the overhaul. I’m also taking a krill oil omega-3, probiotics, and a calcium/ magnesium supplement. Ultrasound this Thursday to confirm all is well, but I’m feeling confident, and I definitely think your post here is 100% accurate. Thanks!
Have any of you had a problem with getting a rash from magnesium oil? We are TTC, and I’ve been using mag oil daily for the past month. It’s often a bit itchy, which I’ve heard is normal, but last night when I went to wash it off after 20mins as the directions say, my inner legs where I’d applied it had little itchy red bumps all over. It’s better today, but I’m hoping this doesn’t keep happening! I want to be able to use magnesium oil!! My mom was bedridden with morning sickness throughout the first trimester of 5 pregnancies, my sister threw up almost every day for nine months w her first, and I’m DESPERATELY hoping I don’t follow in their footsteps!! 😛
I have found it helpful to mix mag oil half and half with aloe vera gel. Also, change the location of where you apply it. The skin gets much less irritated that way.
I can attest to the fact that this protocol is working to keep my morning sickness at bay! I have had absolutely no nausea and very little fatigue – and I am at 7 weeks now. I had significantly upped my protein intake prior to getting pregnant, take magnesium (natural calm), drink homemade bone broth everyday, a few eggs each day (plus extra yolks), lots of leafy greens, green smoothies every day, etc. etc. I was kind of concerned at first that I was having very little pregnancy symptoms, until i read this post and Mommypotamus’s post on morning sickness! It really seems to be working!
How do you get your coconut oil, I have tried taking it off the spoon but gag every time and can’t get it down!
Coconut oil tastes great mixed with raw honey and a little salt, and it’s much easier to eat! Eating it straight makes me want to gag, too! You can add some nut butter or ground nuts, vanilla, and a little carob or unsweetened cocoa powder tastes great too – very satisfying to the sweet tooth! 🙂
Also — can’t believe I forgot to say this — START SLOWLY with coconut oil! When I first started taking it it made me feel SO nauseous (and I wasn’t even pregnant). I’ve heard that this is because coconut oil is naturally cleansing, so it starts killing off some bad stuff in your stomach and can make you feel sick. So I went back and started w a tiny amount and worked my way up gradually, spreading it throughout the day, and It was MUCH better. Now I can eat a tablespoon or two throughout the day, no problem. But if I forget to take it for a while, I’ll notice a bit of nausea from it again and have to work my way into it (though much more quickly than at first.)
And can I mention as a side note that coconut oil, applied topically, can do wonders for a vaginal yeast infection! I used to get them all the time, and now can usually stave them off by applying it several times a day when I start to feel itchy. Amazing stuff!
I have a question regarding fermented cod liver oil. I’m 7 weeks pregnant and taking a prenatal vitamin and Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA. I’m trying to figure out if I should be taking FCLO also, or if the DHA includes the same fish oils. Any thoughts?
Hey I was just wondering when you found out you were pregnant did it show up on a HPT? I heard of taking magnesium before getting preg would help so I started about a year ago, and then fell off the band wagon for like 4 months. I then talked to my Dr. and got a magnesium shot this last month, and then for this month I was going to start back into my old routine of magnesium supplements and fish oil. Long story short last month (the month I got the shot) is the month I missed my period which has NEVER happened (I’m on a 28 day cycle, very regular). I have only been late once in my whole life like 10 years ago.
Me and my husband have been trying for 9 months to get preg. So anyways I have not felt morning sickness at all, but my breasts were tender for like a week, and I feel stretching pain in my abs and lower stomach periodically throughout the day. It’s nothing too painful. All my HPTs have been negative? So what I’m asking is did your HPT show positive right away when you took magnesium?
Nope, it doesn’t work for everyone. I eat very well and wasn’t deficient in magnesium and still got morning sickness. There is no sure fire way to NOT get morning sickness! Hormones play the largest role, and with everything we come in contact with chemically, from foods to household products, we have no idea how much or if we are disrupting them. Sure, make sure that you are eating a whole foods diet and taking care of yourself, and you will have the healthiest pregnancy you can have.
Is it safe to take the green pastures cinnamon fclo while pregnant? It has cassia oil which I thought was unsafe, also the mint has wintergreen. Would the orange flavor be ok? I allready bought the cinnamon it actually tastes good but we are ttc.
Thanks,
Kristin
Hello! I am 29 years old, 4 weeks pregnant today with my first (had the feeling right from the start and found out at 3wks 2 days via hcg blood test). I have been taking MEGA FOOD baby and me prenatals- whole foods based (4 pills) 3 months before pregnancy, Carlson’s Cod Liver (3 pills) 2 months before pregnancy and just started Raw Enzymes (3 pills) 1 month ago. I eat very healthy mostly protein, veggies and fruits. I have pasta/rice maybe a couple/few times a month and eat plenty of healthy oils/fats (coconut oil/olive oil/variety of nuts). I don’t have milk often but love to eat yogurt/cheddar cheese. I also have been using Ancient Minerals Magnesium oil (8 sprays).I want to get it right from the start. I haven’t had any morning sickness (kinda early I think). Anything else I should be doing? Thanks in advance.
I am so excited to read this post and am praying that I can start all of this now (2 months into my 5th pregnancy) and see some relief. I have the kind of morning sickness that keeps me queasy all day, but I never actually get sick. I have been slowly going green and clean, but this pregnancy has made me put it into high gear. I want/need to feel better this go around. Looking forward to all I can learn on your blog!
Thank you so much for the information! I ordered some magnesium oil online, but while waiting for that to ship I picked up some “Magnesium gel with seaweed extract” by Health and Wisdom Inc. today from Whole Foods. They normally have the oil but were all sold out. I was a little concerned about the seaweed regarding mercury content. Do you have any information about this? I plan to switch to the oil as soon as it arrives. I am hoping it is a miracle cure for my miserable hyperemesis. Thanks again!
TM
I haven’t used that product personally, but from what I’ve read, I don’t think that that small amount of seaweed would be a mercury concern…
Thanks!
First of all I love your website! I’m 5.5 weeks pregnant after a mc last year and I am trying everything possible to be as healthy as possible so really enjoying the advice on your website. I have bought some of the magnesium oil spray on your recommendation and so far it has really been keeping morning sickness at bay as well as the fermented cod liver oil in capsule form. At the moment I am taking 2 capsules (500mg each), as the suggested serving size, and approx 6 sprays of the magnesium oil per day, I wanted to check that the levels I am intaking sound correct? Many thanks x
Apologies, just seen you suggested 8 capsules x
Personally, I take 8 or more capsules, at least during the second trimester, and let your body tell you on the magnesium, but up to 30 sprays can be helpful for some people…
Hi Katie. I have some questions about Fermented Cod Liver oil. I’d like to start taking it, but I am wondering what your opinion is of the taste… because I have a pretty strong gag reflex and have only recently begun to overcome my 15-year aversion to swallowing pills. Also, what dosage would you recommend? I’m curious because of this quote from a review by E. Kirby on Amazon: “First of all, in case you don’t realize, if you’re taking capsules and you want to be taking 1 tsp per day (per WAPF guidelines), you need to take 8 of these capsules per day. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you need to be taking 16 capsules (2 tsp) per day. That means, if you want all of the benefits of FCLO,
this bottle of 120 capsules will last you 7-15 days. If you can tolerate the flavor, the oil in liquid form is MUCH more economical.”
On another note, how do you get your kids to take fish oil? Thanks for your advice!
For me, I mix with cinnamon powder to hide the taste, for the kids, I mix with or dip in honey…
I see! Sounds like a good idea. If you don’t mind me asking, do you personally take 8 capsules per day? I’m just wondering about dosage because I can’t read the WAP label on the Blue Ice bottle pictured at Amazon.
I take 1-2 tsp of the gel instead, but it would work out to 8+ capsules.
I take the cinnamon flavoured FCLO and butter oil separately. I take the FCLO with a syringe, by shooting it at the back of my mouth after having taken a mouth full of kefir (or any liquid) and swallow it together. I eat the butter oil from the spoon. I’ve mixed both with a little honey and cacao powder and vanilla to give to my 2 year old… I give her 1 ml and fill the rest of the 5ml up with other liquids… she takes it with no problems
My daughter 15 months takes it straight from the dropper – Nordic Naturals. She actually loves it.
So a magnesium supplement like Natural Calm is okay to take if I’m breastfeeding? It says to consult a doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
My midwife said it is fine during pregnancy or nursing…
Would taking the Natural Calm with Calcium be just as effective?