After instruction of a primigravid client at 8 weeks' gestation about measures to overcome early morning nausea and vomiting, which client statement indicates the need for additional teaching?

• A. I will eat two large meals daily with frequent protein snacks.
• B. I will eat small, frequent meals.
• C. I will drink fluids between meals.
• D. I will rest after meals.

Answer: (A)

Managing morning sickness in early pregnancy centers on nonpharmacologic dietary and rest strategies that help keep the stomach from becoming distended and to maintain hydration. Eating small, frequent meals helps prevent the abrupt gastric distention that can trigger nausea and vomiting, while sipping fluids between meals avoids adding fullness right at meals and helps prevent dehydration. Rest after meals can also reduce nausea for some people.

The statement about eating two large meals daily with frequent protein snacks clashes with these principles. Large meals tend to overfill the stomach and worsen nausea, defeating the goal of keeping meals small and tolerable. That disconnect indicates a need for additional teaching.

The other suggested practices—eating small, frequent meals, drinking fluids between meals, and resting after meals—are consistent with standard guidance for managing early pregnancy nausea and vomiting.