Nausea Medications for Morning Sickness During Pregnancy

Morning sickness is a common symptom of pregnancy, but it can be very unpleasant for expectant mothers. However, not all over-the-counter (OTC) medications are safe to use during pregnancy; it is important to know which ones to avoid or to use with caution. In this blog post, we will look at which nausea medication is safest for pregnant women to take. We will also consider other remedies for morning sickness, so you can make an informed decision on the best course of action for yourself and your baby. We will take a look at the active ingredients in OTC nausea medications, their potential side effects, and other alternatives. With the right information, you can make decisions that will help keep you and your baby safe and healthy.

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To help relieve morning sickness:

  • Choose foods carefully. Select foods that are high in protein, low in fat and easy to digest. Avoid greasy, spicy and fatty foods. Bland foods, such as bananas, rice, applesauce and toast may be easy to digest. Salty foods might be helpful, as are foods that contain ginger — such as ginger lollipops.
  • Snack often. Before getting out of bed in the morning, eat a few soda crackers or a piece of dry toast. Nibble throughout the day, rather than eating three larger meals. You dont want to get too full, but an empty stomach can also make nausea worse.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. Sip water, real ginger ale or ginger tea. Try to drink 6 to 8 cups of fluids without caffeine each day.
  • Pay attention to nausea triggers. Avoid foods or smells that seem to make your nausea worse.
  • Take care with prenatal vitamins. If you feel queasy after taking prenatal vitamins, take the vitamins with a snack or just before bed. Or try chewable or gummy versions of the vitamins. If these steps dont help, ask your health care provider about other ways you can get the iron and vitamins you need during pregnancy.
  • Rinse your mouth after vomiting. The acid from your stomach can damage the enamel on your teeth. If you can, rinse your mouth with a cup of water mixed with a teaspoon of baking soda. This will help protect your teeth.
  • Various alternative remedies have been suggested for morning sickness, including:

  • Acupressure. Acupressure wristbands are available without a prescription in most pharmacies. Studies on acupressure wristbands have had mixed results, but some people find them helpful.
  • Acupuncture. A trained practitioner inserts hair-thin needles into the skin. Acupuncture isnt a proven way to treat morning sickness, but some people find it helpful.
  • Ginger. Ginger helps relieve morning sickness for some people. Ginger comes in capsules, candies, snaps, real ginger ale and tea made with fresh-grated ginger.
  • Hypnosis. Although theres little research on the topic, some people have found relief from morning sickness through hypnosis.
  • Aromatherapy. Although there is also little research on this topic, certain scents, normally created using essential oils, can help some people deal with morning sickness.
  • Those who reside in states where marijuana is legal may be enticed to try it as a diuretic. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists cautions against pregnant women using marijuana because the drug’s effects on the mother and fetus have not been thoroughly investigated. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is a syndrome that can cause nausea and vomiting after marijuana use.

    Before using any herbal remedies or complementary therapies to treat morning sickness, consult your doctor.

    Typically, discussing morning sickness can wait until your regular prenatal appointment. Be prepared to discuss your frequency of nausea, frequency of vomiting, ability to maintain fluid intake, and use of home remedies.

    If you can, bring a friend or family member with you to your appointment to help you remember what your provider says. Take a notepad with you to jot down important information.

    To prepare for your appointment, make a list of:

  • Your symptoms, even those you dont think are related to your morning sickness
  • All medicine, vitamins and other supplements you take, how much and how often
  • Questions to ask your provider
  • Some questions to ask about morning sickness include:

  • Is pregnancy causing my symptoms or could it be something else?
  • Do I need tests?
  • Will I have nausea and vomiting throughout my pregnancy?
  • Is there medicine I can take to help with my symptoms?
  • Does morning sickness pose any risk to my baby?
  • What can I eat or drink to help my queasiness?
  • Dont hesitate to ask other questions you have.

    The editorial staff at BabyCenters is dedicated to offering the world’s most beneficial and reliable pregnancy and parenting information. We rely on reliable sources when creating and updating content, including reputable health organizations, expert professional associations, and studies that have been published in peer-reviewed journals. We think you should always be aware of the information’s source. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.

    FAQ

    What is the safest anti nausea medication for pregnancy?

    Meclizine (Antivert), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) all help relieve pregnancy-related nausea. A review of over 35 studies found these antihistamines to be safe. And, studies have found that they’re better than placebo at treating nausea in pregnancy.

    Which medicine is best for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy?

    Metoclopramide (Reglan) – Metoclopramide speeds emptying of the stomach and may help to reduce nausea and vomiting. It is available in a pill, oral solution, and injectable form and is usually taken 30 minutes prior to meals and at bedtime.

    What are the risks of taking Zofran while pregnant?

    If you are pregnant and have taken ondansetron or Zofran® during pregnancy, I want to reassure you that it likely has not affected your baby. Even if the increased risk for cleft palate or heart defects turns out to be true, the risk to your baby is still very, very small.

    Tips for controlling extreme nausea during pregnancy

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