what morning sickness remedies are safe and actually effective?
Penny cited the following
2 peer-reviewed research articles
1 professionally-backed source
5 articles from healthcare institutions
Safe and Effective Remedies for Morning Sickness: What the Evidence Shows
Morning sickness is very common in pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. While it can be uncomfortable, there are several remedies with evidence supporting their safety and effectiveness. Here’s what research and clinical guidelines say about what actually works.
First-Line Remedies: What to Try First
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) and Doxylamine
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Vitamin B6 is widely recommended as a first-line treatment for nausea in pregnancy. It is available over the counter and is considered safe when used as directed.
1ArticleMorning Sickness: When It Starts, Treatment & PreventionMorning sickness is nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It’s a common condition affecting up to 70% of women in the first trimester of pregnancy (the first three months). Despite its name, “morning” sickness can happen at any time of the day. There are various at-home treatments for morning sickness, including diet and lifestyle changes.→
Cleveland Clinic
2ArticleMorning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy | ACOGBoth drugs, taken alone or together, have been found to be safe to take during pregnancy and have no harmful effects on the fetus. What if B6 and doxylamine don’t relieve my symptoms?→American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
3ArticleGot Morning Sickness? 13 Solutions That Really Work : Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery: Certified Nurse MidwivesGinger, red raspberry leaf, and peppermint teas may have calming effects and help reduce vomiting and nausea caused by pregnancy. Get enough sleep (aim for 8-10 hours) to stay well-rested, but avoid lying down for a nap right after meals; doing ...→Holistic OB/GYN
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Doxylamine, an antihistamine found in some sleep aids, can be combined with vitamin B6. This combination is available by prescription (as Diclegis in the US) and is FDA-approved for pregnancy-related nausea.
1ArticleMorning Sickness: When It Starts, Treatment & PreventionMorning sickness is nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It’s a common condition affecting up to 70% of women in the first trimester of pregnancy (the first three months). Despite its name, “morning” sickness can happen at any time of the day. There are various at-home treatments for morning sickness, including diet and lifestyle changes.→2ArticleMorning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy | ACOGBoth drugs, taken alone or together, have been found to be safe to take during pregnancy and have no harmful effects on the fetus. What if B6 and doxylamine don’t relieve my symptoms?→3ArticleGot Morning Sickness? 13 Solutions That Really Work : Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery: Certified Nurse MidwivesGinger, red raspberry leaf, and peppermint teas may have calming effects and help reduce vomiting and nausea caused by pregnancy. Get enough sleep (aim for 8-10 hours) to stay well-rested, but avoid lying down for a nap right after meals; doing ...→
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Both vitamin B6 and doxylamine, alone or together, have been shown to be safe and effective for most people.
1ArticleMorning Sickness: When It Starts, Treatment & PreventionMorning sickness is nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It’s a common condition affecting up to 70% of women in the first trimester of pregnancy (the first three months). Despite its name, “morning” sickness can happen at any time of the day. There are various at-home treatments for morning sickness, including diet and lifestyle changes.→2ArticleMorning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy | ACOGBoth drugs, taken alone or together, have been found to be safe to take during pregnancy and have no harmful effects on the fetus. What if B6 and doxylamine don’t relieve my symptoms?→3ArticleGot Morning Sickness? 13 Solutions That Really Work : Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery: Certified Nurse MidwivesGinger, red raspberry leaf, and peppermint teas may have calming effects and help reduce vomiting and nausea caused by pregnancy. Get enough sleep (aim for 8-10 hours) to stay well-rested, but avoid lying down for a nap right after meals; doing ...→
Ginger
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Ginger (in the form of tea, capsules, candies, or syrups) has been shown in multiple studies to help reduce nausea in pregnancy. Most research supports its safety and effectiveness when used in moderation.
3ArticleGot Morning Sickness? 13 Solutions That Really Work : Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery: Certified Nurse MidwivesGinger, red raspberry leaf, and peppermint teas may have calming effects and help reduce vomiting and nausea caused by pregnancy. Get enough sleep (aim for 8-10 hours) to stay well-rested, but avoid lying down for a nap right after meals; doing ...→4ArticleNatural treatments for morning sickness | Complementary and Alternative Medicine | Research Starters | EBSCO ResearchGiven the vulnerability of the fetus during this time, there is a growing interest in natural treatments that can alleviate symptoms without posing risks associated with medication. Prominent natural options include vitamin B6 and ginger, both ...→
EBSCO Information Services, Inc. | www.ebsco.com
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Typical doses are 250 mg up to four times a day, but it’s best to discuss the right amount with your healthcare provider.
3ArticleGot Morning Sickness? 13 Solutions That Really Work : Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery: Certified Nurse MidwivesGinger, red raspberry leaf, and peppermint teas may have calming effects and help reduce vomiting and nausea caused by pregnancy. Get enough sleep (aim for 8-10 hours) to stay well-rested, but avoid lying down for a nap right after meals; doing ...→
Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments
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Eating small, frequent meals and avoiding an empty stomach can help reduce nausea.
5ArticleMorning sickness: 10 foods that fight nausea during pregnancy - The Mother Baby CenterSome pregnant women find mineral water and other carbonated beverages are good morning sickness remedies. The carbonation can help reduce the total acidity of the stomach, making nausea dissipate.→
The Mother Baby Center
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High-protein snacks, bland foods (like crackers or toast), and staying hydrated are commonly recommended.
5ArticleMorning sickness: 10 foods that fight nausea during pregnancy - The Mother Baby CenterSome pregnant women find mineral water and other carbonated beverages are good morning sickness remedies. The carbonation can help reduce the total acidity of the stomach, making nausea dissipate.→
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Avoiding triggers such as strong smells or spicy, fatty foods may also help.
5ArticleMorning sickness: 10 foods that fight nausea during pregnancy - The Mother Baby CenterSome pregnant women find mineral water and other carbonated beverages are good morning sickness remedies. The carbonation can help reduce the total acidity of the stomach, making nausea dissipate.→
Other Non-Drug Options: What Might Help
Acupressure Wristbands
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Acupressure wristbands (such as Sea-Bands) that target the P6 (Neiguan) point on the wrist may provide relief for some people. Evidence is mixed, but they are considered safe and worth trying.
4ArticleNatural treatments for morning sickness | Complementary and Alternative Medicine | Research Starters | EBSCO ResearchGiven the vulnerability of the fetus during this time, there is a growing interest in natural treatments that can alleviate symptoms without posing risks associated with medication. Prominent natural options include vitamin B6 and ginger, both ...→6ArticleMorning Sickness: How to relieve, Recommended FoodsDuring pregnancy, avoid processed and high-sugar foods. Choose foods rich in protein, whole grains, and plenty of healthy fruits and vegetables for the mother and fetus. ... Hydrating fruits and vegetables like watermelon, celery, and bell peppers ...→
MedPark Hospital
Aromatherapy and Pleasant Scents
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Sniffing lemon or peppermint, or using citrus fruits, may help ease nausea for some.
4ArticleNatural treatments for morning sickness | Complementary and Alternative Medicine | Research Starters | EBSCO ResearchGiven the vulnerability of the fetus during this time, there is a growing interest in natural treatments that can alleviate symptoms without posing risks associated with medication. Prominent natural options include vitamin B6 and ginger, both ...→
Prenatal Vitamins
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Taking prenatal vitamins with food or switching to a vitamin without iron (if your provider agrees) may help if vitamins are making nausea worse.
2ArticleMorning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy | ACOGBoth drugs, taken alone or together, have been found to be safe to take during pregnancy and have no harmful effects on the fetus. What if B6 and doxylamine don’t relieve my symptoms?→
Prescription Medications: When Symptoms Are Severe
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If first-line remedies do not help, your healthcare provider may recommend prescription anti-nausea medications. Options include antihistamines, metoclopramide, and ondansetron (Zofran).
1ArticleMorning Sickness: When It Starts, Treatment & PreventionMorning sickness is nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It’s a common condition affecting up to 70% of women in the first trimester of pregnancy (the first three months). Despite its name, “morning” sickness can happen at any time of the day. There are various at-home treatments for morning sickness, including diet and lifestyle changes.→2ArticleMorning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy | ACOGBoth drugs, taken alone or together, have been found to be safe to take during pregnancy and have no harmful effects on the fetus. What if B6 and doxylamine don’t relieve my symptoms?→7ArticleTreatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: An updated algorithm - PMCOther pharmacologic treatments with relatively good safety profiles and varying degrees of effectiveness include antihistamines, ondansetron, phenothiazines, metoclopramide, and corticosteroids.9–12 Herbal products such as vitamin B6 and ginger have also been used safely with varying degrees ...→
PubMed Central
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Ondansetron is effective but has some safety concerns, so it is generally used only if other treatments have not worked and after discussing risks and benefits with your provider.
1ArticleMorning Sickness: When It Starts, Treatment & PreventionMorning sickness is nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It’s a common condition affecting up to 70% of women in the first trimester of pregnancy (the first three months). Despite its name, “morning” sickness can happen at any time of the day. There are various at-home treatments for morning sickness, including diet and lifestyle changes.→2ArticleMorning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy | ACOGBoth drugs, taken alone or together, have been found to be safe to take during pregnancy and have no harmful effects on the fetus. What if B6 and doxylamine don’t relieve my symptoms?→7ArticleTreatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: An updated algorithm - PMCOther pharmacologic treatments with relatively good safety profiles and varying degrees of effectiveness include antihistamines, ondansetron, phenothiazines, metoclopramide, and corticosteroids.9–12 Herbal products such as vitamin B6 and ginger have also been used safely with varying degrees ...→
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Most anti-nausea medications used in pregnancy have a good safety record, but always consult your OB/GYN before starting any medication.
1ArticleMorning Sickness: When It Starts, Treatment & PreventionMorning sickness is nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It’s a common condition affecting up to 70% of women in the first trimester of pregnancy (the first three months). Despite its name, “morning” sickness can happen at any time of the day. There are various at-home treatments for morning sickness, including diet and lifestyle changes.→2ArticleMorning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy | ACOGBoth drugs, taken alone or together, have been found to be safe to take during pregnancy and have no harmful effects on the fetus. What if B6 and doxylamine don’t relieve my symptoms?→
What Doesn’t Have Strong Evidence
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Acupuncture: Evidence for acupuncture is inconsistent, and it is not clearly more effective than placebo.
8ArticleRemedies for Morning Sickness During Pregnancy | Rochester Regional HealthThese bracelets have been clinically tested and approved. Vitamins such as prenatal vitamins or vitamin B6 are shown to reduce nausea and vomiting for some patients with morning sickness.→
rochesterregional.org
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Herbal supplements (other than ginger): There is not enough high-quality evidence to recommend other herbal remedies for morning sickness.
8ArticleRemedies for Morning Sickness During Pregnancy | Rochester Regional HealthThese bracelets have been clinically tested and approved. Vitamins such as prenatal vitamins or vitamin B6 are shown to reduce nausea and vomiting for some patients with morning sickness.→
Wrapping Up: Finding Relief That’s Safe for You
Most people find relief with vitamin B6, ginger, dietary changes, or acupressure. If these do not help, prescription medications are available and can be used safely under the guidance of your OB/GYN. Severe or persistent vomiting (unable to keep down food or fluids) should be discussed with your healthcare provider, as it may require additional treatment or monitoring.
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Article
Morning Sickness: When It Starts, Treatment & Prevention
Morning sickness is nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It’s a common condition affecting up to 70% of women in the first trimester of pregnancy (the first three months). Despite its name, “morning” sickness can happen at any time of the day. There are various at-home treatments for morning sickness, including diet and lifestyle changes.
2
Article
Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy | ACOG
Both drugs, taken alone or together, have been found to be safe to take during pregnancy and have no harmful effects on the fetus. What if B6 and doxylamine don’t relieve my symptoms?
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Article
Morning sickness: 10 foods that fight nausea during pregnancy - The Mother Baby Center
Some pregnant women find mineral water and other carbonated beverages are good morning sickness remedies. The carbonation can help reduce the total acidity of the stomach, making nausea dissipate.
You might want to consider starting with the safest, most evidence-backed options and working with your provider if symptoms are severe or do not improve.