Can medication ease morning sickness?

Pregnancy Nausea

If we were to ask a pregnant woman about the most challenging pregnancy symptom, she would likely mention morning sickness. Studies indicate that four out of five women experience nausea during pregnancy. The severity and duration of this nausea vary from woman to woman. Some experience it during the first trimester, known as morning sickness, while others may continue to suffer into the second trimester. A small percentage of women may endure pregnancy nausea throughout the entire term.

Complications

When a pregnant woman experiences prolonged nausea or vomiting, she may lose interest in eating and drinking, leading to dehydration, weight loss, and, in some cases, iron deficiency and associated complications. Persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy can also contribute to antenatal depression. Also, if nausea persists into the second half of pregnancy with a decrease in the mother's appetite, it may negatively impact the baby's weight at birth.

Treatments for Morning Sickness

Natural remedies

Ginger

You might have heard this advice from your mother or grandmother, but rest assured, it's not one of the old wives' tales. Studies have shown the effectiveness of ginger supplements and natural ginger in reducing the severity of bothersome pregnancy nausea. It can be consumed as a hot drink, sliced and added to water, or even enjoyed in ginger-flavored candies.

Probiotics

Recent studies indicate that taking probiotics is an effective treatment for pregnancy nausea. Probiotics can be taken as supplements or obtained from natural sources like yogurt, kefir, naturally fermented pickles, and apple cider vinegar.

Dietary Modifications

Experts suggest that increasing protein intake and reducing the consumption of processed fats and sugars can alleviate pregnancy nausea.

Rest

Rest is crucial for pregnant women, especially if they are experiencing nausea. If you feel nauseous, it's important not to engage in strenuous activities.

Avoiding nausea triggers

If certain smells and foods exacerbate your nausea, try to avoid them as much as possible to minimize the likelihood of vomiting.

Additional Tips to Reduce Pregnancy Nausea

• Have some toasted bread or salted crackers before getting out of bed in the morning.
• Add lemon slices with mint leaves to your water.
• Consume foods rich in vitamin B6 and potassium, such as bananas.
• Get some fresh air.
• Eat several small, light meals throughout the day.
• Consider acupressure treatment.
• Enjoy cold foods like ice cream and watermelon.
• Have protein-rich soup.

Medication for Morning Sickness

Sometimes, doctors may prescribe medication for pregnancy nausea and vomiting, especially for severe cases that do not improve with natural methods. The doctor will prescribe the best nausea medication based on her condition and gestational age. Options include:

During the first trimester

The doctor may prescribe pills containing vitamin B6, sometimes called Pyridoxine, to reduce the severity of nausea. However, these may not be effective in reducing vomiting. Therefore, the doctor might prescribe another medication to address vomiting or a drug that combines vitamin B6 with other effective components for treating pregnancy vomiting. It's worth noting that even if this option requires a prescription, it may cause some side effects like headaches and drowsiness.

Vominor Pills

These pills contain a type of vitamin B and an antihistamine. Doctors prescribe these pills for their effectiveness in reducing the severity of nausea during pregnancy, and they are considered safe for both the mother and the fetus unless the mother is allergic to any of the medication's components.

Antihistamines

Your doctor might prescribe antihistamine allergy medications to alleviate the severity of pregnancy nausea and vomiting, especially those that include vitamin B6. These medications have proven effective.

It's crucial not to take any medications or supplements during pregnancy without consulting your doctor, who will prescribe the appropriate medication and determine the safe dosage based on the individual's condition.

 

Check out When do pregnancy symptoms start?