For nausea during pregnancy, some safe and commonly recommended options include dietary and natural remedies as well as certain supplements and medications:
Natural and Dietary Remedies
- Ginger is widely regarded as a top natural remedy. It can be consumed as ginger tea, candies, grated in foods, or ginger ale. Ginger has anti-nausea properties and is gentle on the stomach.
- Eating bland, easy-to-digest foods such as plain crackers, toast, rice, bananas, and applesauce can help absorb stomach acid and calm nausea.
- Citrus fruits like lemons (lemon water or lemon slices) and peppermint (peppermint tea or candies) are also known to relieve nausea.
- Staying hydrated with fluids like herbal teas, broth, cold almond milk, or smoothies can soothe the stomach and replenish lost nutrients.
Supplements and Medications
- Vitamin B6 supplements (10–25 mg three times daily) are commonly recommended to reduce nausea in pregnancy.
- Doxylamine, an antihistamine often combined with Vitamin B6 in the prescription drug Diclegis, is FDA-approved for treating pregnancy-related nausea.
- Over-the-counter options like doxylamine alone (sold as Unisom) can also alleviate nausea and help with sleep.
Additional Options
- Acupressure wristbands (Sea-Bands) are drug-free and clinically tested for nausea relief.
- Smelling rubbing alcohol has been studied as a quick method to reduce nausea symptoms.
It is important to discuss any supplements or medications with a healthcare provider to ensure safety during pregnancy, especially regarding dosages and potential side effects. If nausea is severe or persistent, medical advice should be sought to rule out conditions like hyperemesis gravidarum.