<![CDATA[Emesis gravidarum, characterized by nausea and vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy, affects up to 80% of pregnant women. Although typically considered a normal physiological condition, persistent symptoms can significantly impact daily activities, nutritional intake, and quality of life. Concerns over fetal safety with pharmacological treatments have led to the exploration of non-pharmacological interventions, such as aromatherapy. Lemon (Citrus limon) aromatherapy, which contains limonene, is believed to reduce nausea by stimulating the limbic system through olfactory pathways. This observational study, conducted at Manembo-nembo Hospital in Bitung City in 2025, involved 30 first-trimester pregnant women selected through purposive sampling. The severity of emesis gravidarum was assessed using the Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea (PUQE) questionnaire before and after lemon aromatherapy. Results showed that most participants were aged 20–35 years (73.33%) and in the early first trimester (≤10 weeks). After lemon aromatherapy, the severity of nausea and vomiting decreased, with most participants shifting from moderate or severe to mild symptoms. Statistical analysis revealed a moderate negative correlation between lemon aromatherapy and the severity of emesis gravidarum (r = −0.586; p = 0.001). In conclusion, lemon aromatherapy was significantly associated with a reduction in nausea and vomiting severity in early pregnancy. This intervention offers a safe, simple, and complementary option in antenatal care to enhance maternal comfort during the first trimester.]]>
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