Pregnancy can be a complicated and stressful experience, especially when it comes to managing your health and wellbeing. One of the biggest questions facing pregnant women is whether or not it is safe to take over-the-counter medications such as Unisom. Unisom is commonly used as an antihistamine and sleep aid, but many pregnant women are unsure of the effects it can have on their unborn baby. In this blog post, we will explore the safety and risks of taking Unisom while pregnant. We will discuss the potential side effects, the recommended dosage, and other factors to consider. We will also provide advice on how to weigh the pros and cons of taking Unisom while pregnant. Ultimately, this post aims to help pregnant women make the best decision for their health and the health of their baby.
Morning Sickness and B6 and Unisom in Pregnancy
One of the earliest signs of pregnancy, morning sickness usually starts around the sixth week. Morning sickness is thought to be caused by changes in hormone levels during this time.
When a mother experiences mild to moderate nausea, vitamin B6 can help. Antihistamines are also used to treat pregnancy morning sickness and vomiting. Your doctor might recommend doxylamine, an antihistamine sold as “Unisom Nighttime SleepAids,” a sleeping aid. Since Unisom Nighttime Sleep-Aid and Maximum Strength Unisom SleepGels are two entirely different medications, it is simple to mix them up.
Unisom can make you sleepy, so do not take it while driving. Vitamin B6 and Unisom are often used in combination to treat morning sickness. The FDA has approved a combination of vitamin B6 and doxylamine (Unisom) to treat nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Your doctor may prescribe a prescription for this medicine or a variety of other medications such as Ondansetron (Zofran), Trimethobenzamide (Tebamide), or Promethazine (Phenergan antihistamine).
What are the side effects of Unisom?
Dry mouth, drowsiness, and dizziness are some of the most frequent side effects of Unisom. If you experience any of these side effects, it’s crucial to stay hydrated and refrain from operating heavy machinery or driving. Most side effects are mild. However, stop taking Unisom and contact your doctor right away if you experience any severe side effects, like hallucinations or trouble breathing.
Doxylamine, as I mentioned above, is a component of the drug Diclegis. According to some research, it helps to prevent morning sickness (or nausea) (and friends who have experienced this agree with this).
As far as I can tell, when combined with B6, it might prevent a neurotransmitter—the chemical messenger your brain uses to communicate with your body—from alerting you to nausea or the need to vomit.
Despite the fact that it’s not entirely clear why it works, a lot of medicine is like that. I’ve occasionally questioned whether the restful sleep it provides is all that makes a difference. Who knows.
Having said that, if you’re considering taking a nausea remedy, please consult your doctor beforehand. Even though I keep repeating myself, this is crucial. It might be problematic if you have high blood pressure or other conditions.
However, there may be some better options to try if you’re just looking for something to get you to sleep:
Can Unisom hurt my unborn baby?
Is Unisom safe for you and your baby is undoubtedly on your mind right now.
There are many studies suggesting that antihistamines like doxylamine (Unisom’s active ingredient) are likely safe for use in pregnancy.
And Diclegis (doxylamine + vitamin B) has been approved by the FDA for use in pregnant women.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests that if lifestyle and diet changes don’t help with nausea, you should try vitamin B6 supplements next.
If that doesn’t work, you can combine doxylamine and vitamin B6.
To accomplish this, you can either take them separately or attempt the prescription drug Diclegis, which combines the two.
FAQ
Can Unisom harm my unborn baby?
What type of Unisom is safe during pregnancy?
What sleep aid is safe for pregnancy?
Can you take Unisom during the day while pregnant?