Final answer:
To help with N/V discomfort, consuming ginger or peppermint is advised, but with caution if heartburn is a concern. Smaller, more frequent meals and staying hydrated with water instead of sugary drinks can also help to alleviate nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
To alleviate a woman’s N/V discomfort, which is a common symptom during the early stages of pregnancy due to increased levels of certain hormones, it is suggested she consider consuming ginger or peppermint. These natural remedies are often used to help settle the stomach. It is important to note, however, that while peppermint can be soothing for nausea, it is also on the list of foods that might contribute to gastric reflux or heartburn, which is another common problem during pregnancy. Therefore, the recommendation to consume ginger or peppermint should be taken with caution, especially for those who are later in their pregnancy or who experience heartburn.
Other strategies to address N/V discomfort include avoiding large meals, as smaller, more frequent meals are easier to digest and less likely to cause discomfort. Decreased intestinal peristalsis, which is slowed movement through the gut, can also be mitigated by eating smaller meals. As for fluid intake, it is important to stay hydrated, but sugary drinks should be avoided in favor of water. Therefore, option d) Avoid drinking water is not recommended; instead, increasing water intake, possibly with added electrolytes, could be helpful.