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Safe and Effective Remedies for Morning Sickness
Most people experience some nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy, and there are several safe and effective remedies you can try. Many people find relief with simple lifestyle changes, certain supplements, or medications if symptoms are more severe.
Dietary and Lifestyle Approaches: First Steps to Relief
Small, frequent meals and bland foods can help
- Eat small amounts of food throughout the day, especially foods high in carbohydrates and low in fat, such as crackers, toast, rice, or pasta.
- Avoid skipping meals and try to eat before you feel hungry, as an empty stomach can make nausea worse.
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Stay hydrated by sipping water, ginger tea, or clear fluids. Some people find carbonated drinks or mineral water helpful, but this varies.
Morning 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. Mineral water comes in countless flavors, and you can add your own fruit infusions.
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Rest as much as possible, as fatigue can make symptoms worse.
Remedies for Morning Sickness During Pregnancy | Rochester Regional HealthMorning sickness can happen at any time of the day or night. Getting plenty of rest, eating a bland diet, drinking water to avoid getting too full, and acupuncture bracelets can help. Anti-emetic medications like Unisom, Zofran, pyridoxine, and Tigan can reduce nausea, as well.
Ginger and Vitamin B6 are well-studied options
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Ginger (in foods, teas, or supplements) has been shown to reduce nausea for some people. Check with your pharmacist before taking ginger supplements.
Vomiting and morning sickness - NHSIf your nausea and vomiting is ... that's safe to use in pregnancy. Often this will be a type of antihistamine, which are usually used to treat allergies but also work as medicines to stop sickness (antiemetic). Antiemetics will usually be given as tablets for you to swallow. But if you have severe morningsickness ...Read full articleSource: nhs.ukOptimal management of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy - PMCNausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) is a common medical condition in pregnancy with significant physical and psychological morbidity. Up to 90% of women will suffer from NVP symptoms in the first trimester of pregnancy with up to 2% developing ...Natural treatments for morning sickness | Research Starters | EBSCO ResearchMorningsickness, characterized by nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, affects many women, particularly in the first trimester. Given the vulnerability of the fetus during this time, there is a growing interest in natural treatments that can alleviate symptoms without posing risks associated ...
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Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) at doses of 10–40 mg per day is considered safe and can reduce the severity of nausea. It is available over-the-counter.
Optimal management of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy - PMCNausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) is a common medical condition in pregnancy with significant physical and psychological morbidity. Up to 90% of women will suffer from NVP symptoms in the first trimester of pregnancy with up to 2% developing ...Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy | ACOGA prescription drug that combines vitamin B6 and doxylamine is available. Both drugs, taken alone or together, have been found to be safe to take during pregnancy and have no harmful effects on the fetus.Natural treatments for morning sickness | Research Starters | EBSCO ResearchMorningsickness, characterized by nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, affects many women, particularly in the first trimester. Given the vulnerability of the fetus during this time, there is a growing interest in natural treatments that can alleviate symptoms without posing risks associated ...
Other supportive measures
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Sucking on lemon drops or smelling citrus may help with nausea for some people.
Morning 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. Mineral water comes in countless flavors, and you can add your own fruit infusions.
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Acupressure wristbands (such as those used for motion sickness) and gentle pressure on the inside of your wrist (the "nei guan" point) may provide relief.
Remedies for Morning Sickness During Pregnancy | Rochester Regional HealthMorning sickness can happen at any time of the day or night. Getting plenty of rest, eating a bland diet, drinking water to avoid getting too full, and acupuncture bracelets can help. Anti-emetic medications like Unisom, Zofran, pyridoxine, and Tigan can reduce nausea, as well.12 Tips To Help Calm Morning SicknessForget the term “morningsickness.” When you’re pregnant, feelings of nausea can strike anytime, day or night. But there are several things you can do to help tame your turbulent tummy. A certified nurse-midwife explains what causes morningsickness and how to ease it.Read full articleSource: Cleveland Clinic
- Avoid strong smells and foods that trigger your nausea.
Medications: When Symptoms Are More Severe
Safe medication options are available if needed
- If lifestyle changes and supplements are not enough, certain medications are considered safe in pregnancy:
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Vitamin B6 and doxylamine (an antihistamine found in some sleep aids) can be used together or separately. A prescription combination of these is available and has been shown to be safe.
Optimal management of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy - PMCNausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) is a common medical condition in pregnancy with significant physical and psychological morbidity. Up to 90% of women will suffer from NVP symptoms in the first trimester of pregnancy with up to 2% developing ...Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy | ACOGA prescription drug that combines vitamin B6 and doxylamine is available. Both drugs, taken alone or together, have been found to be safe to take during pregnancy and have no harmful effects on the fetus.Pregnancy sickness (nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum) | RCOGSeveral different anti-sickness medicines are available that may help your symptoms. While some of these medicines may not be licensed for use in pregnancy, they are considered safe for you and your baby. ... Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of pregnancy that affect most women. It starts early in pregnancy, usually between the 4th and 7th week. It settles by 20 weeks in 9 out of 10 women, although in some women it may last longer. It is often called ‘morning ...
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Other antihistamines (such as cyclizine, meclizine, or diphenhydramine) may also be used if needed.
Optimal management of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy - PMCNausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) is a common medical condition in pregnancy with significant physical and psychological morbidity. Up to 90% of women will suffer from NVP symptoms in the first trimester of pregnancy with up to 2% developing ...Pregnancy sickness (nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum) | RCOGSeveral different anti-sickness medicines are available that may help your symptoms. While some of these medicines may not be licensed for use in pregnancy, they are considered safe for you and your baby. ... Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of pregnancy that affect most women. It starts early in pregnancy, usually between the 4th and 7th week. It settles by 20 weeks in 9 out of 10 women, although in some women it may last longer. It is often called ‘morning ...
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Prescription anti-nausea medications may be considered for severe symptoms, but should be discussed with your OB/GYN or midwife.
Vomiting and morning sickness - NHSIf your nausea and vomiting is ... that's safe to use in pregnancy. Often this will be a type of antihistamine, which are usually used to treat allergies but also work as medicines to stop sickness (antiemetic). Antiemetics will usually be given as tablets for you to swallow. But if you have severe morningsickness ...Read full articleSource: nhs.ukMorning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy | ACOGA prescription drug that combines vitamin B6 and doxylamine is available. Both drugs, taken alone or together, have been found to be safe to take during pregnancy and have no harmful effects on the fetus.Pregnancy sickness (nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum) | RCOGSeveral different anti-sickness medicines are available that may help your symptoms. While some of these medicines may not be licensed for use in pregnancy, they are considered safe for you and your baby. ... Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of pregnancy that affect most women. It starts early in pregnancy, usually between the 4th and 7th week. It settles by 20 weeks in 9 out of 10 women, although in some women it may last longer. It is often called ‘morning ...
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Vitamin B6 and doxylamine (an antihistamine found in some sleep aids) can be used together or separately. A prescription combination of these is available and has been shown to be safe.
When to Seek Medical Help
Know when to reach out for extra support
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If you cannot keep any food or fluids down for more than 24 hours, are losing weight, or feel very weak or dizzy, you may have a severe form of morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum, which requires medical attention.
Vomiting and morning sickness - NHSIf your nausea and vomiting is ... that's safe to use in pregnancy. Often this will be a type of antihistamine, which are usually used to treat allergies but also work as medicines to stop sickness (antiemetic). Antiemetics will usually be given as tablets for you to swallow. But if you have severe morningsickness ...Read full articleSource: nhs.ukMorning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy | ACOGA prescription drug that combines vitamin B6 and doxylamine is available. Both drugs, taken alone or together, have been found to be safe to take during pregnancy and have no harmful effects on the fetus.Pregnancy sickness (nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum) | RCOGSeveral different anti-sickness medicines are available that may help your symptoms. While some of these medicines may not be licensed for use in pregnancy, they are considered safe for you and your baby. ... Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of pregnancy that affect most women. It starts early in pregnancy, usually between the 4th and 7th week. It settles by 20 weeks in 9 out of 10 women, although in some women it may last longer. It is often called ‘morning ...
- Your healthcare provider can help you find the safest and most effective treatment for your situation.
Taking Care of Yourself While Managing Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is very common and usually improves after the first trimester. Most remedies are safe to try, but if you are unsure about any supplement or medication, or if your symptoms are severe, it might be beneficial to discuss your options with your OB/GYN or midwife, who can help you find the best approach for your needs.Peer-Reviewed Research
Published, peer-reviewed scientific studies from journals or databases.
Clinical Guidelines & Professional Sources
Clinical recommendations from government, public health organizations, or professional medical provider associations.
Medical & Academic Institutions
Information from hospitals, research institutions, or academic medical centers known for clinical expertise and research contributions.
General Health & Web Sources
Publicly available health-related articles from non-peer-reviewed sources. These may reference research or clinical guidelines, but are not primary sources.
Uncategorized Sources
Information from sources that have not yet been categorized.
What made this response need improvement?
Prescription Medications for Severe Morning Sickness: Risks and Benefits
Prescription medications can provide significant relief for severe morning sickness (including hyperemesis gravidarum), but each option comes with its own balance of benefits and potential risks. The decision to use these medications is usually based on the severity of symptoms and how much they are affecting your health and daily life.
Benefits of Prescription Medications
Effective symptom control and improved quality of life
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Prescription anti-nausea medications can reduce or stop vomiting, help you keep down food and fluids, and prevent complications like dehydration and weight loss.
Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy | AAFPNausea and vomiting of pregnancy, commonly known as “morningsickness,” affects approximately 80 percent of pregnant women. Although several theories have been proposed, the exact cause remains unclear. Recent research has implicated Helicobacter pylori as one possible cause.Optimal management of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy - PMCNausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) is a common medical condition in pregnancy with significant physical and psychological morbidity. Up to 90% of women will suffer from NVP symptoms in the first trimester of pregnancy with up to 2% developing ...Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy | ACOGThere are safe treatment options that can make you feel better and keep your symptoms from getting worse.
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Effective treatment can reduce the risk of hospital admission and improve your ability to function at work and home.
Optimal management of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy - PMCNausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) is a common medical condition in pregnancy with significant physical and psychological morbidity. Up to 90% of women will suffer from NVP symptoms in the first trimester of pregnancy with up to 2% developing ...Which Drug Is More Effective for Treating Hyperemesis Gravidarum? | AAFPLess severe forms of nausea and ... of all pregnancies. Treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum may require hospitalization, and includes intravenous rehydration, antiemetic medications, and psychosocial support. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends intravenous dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), metoclopramide (Reglan), and promethazine (Phenergan) as first-line medications. Previous studies have evaluated promethazine, ondansetron (Zofran), ...
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Treating severe nausea and vomiting can also help prevent negative effects on mental health and overall well-being.
Treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: An updated algorithm - PMCMy patient has severe nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP). I am having difficulty treating her, as nothing she has tried so far has been really effective. I heard that there is some new information regarding the treatment of this condition. Even ...
Medications with established safety records
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The combination of doxylamine and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is FDA-approved and has a strong safety record in pregnancy.
Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy | AAFPNausea and vomiting of pregnancy, commonly known as “morningsickness,” affects approximately 80 percent of pregnant women. Although several theories have been proposed, the exact cause remains unclear. Recent research has implicated Helicobacter pylori as one possible cause.Hyperemesis Gravidarum in Emergency Medicine MedicationNausea and vomiting inpregnancy is extremely common. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HEG) is the most severe form of nausea and vomiting inpregnancy.Read full articleSource: MedscapeMorning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy | ACOGThere are safe treatment options that can make you feel better and keep your symptoms from getting worse.Hyperemesis Gravidarum Medication: Vitamins, Herbal medications, Antiemetics, Corticosteroids, AntihistaminesNausea and vomiting inpregnancy is extremely common. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HEG) is the most severe form of nausea and vomiting inpregnancy.Read full articleSource: Medscape
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Other medications commonly used include antihistamines (such as promethazine), phenothiazines (such as prochlorperazine), and metoclopramide. These have not been linked to an increased risk of birth defects in most studies.
Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy | AAFPNausea and vomiting of pregnancy, commonly known as “morningsickness,” affects approximately 80 percent of pregnant women. Although several theories have been proposed, the exact cause remains unclear. Recent research has implicated Helicobacter pylori as one possible cause.Optimal management of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy - PMCNausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) is a common medical condition in pregnancy with significant physical and psychological morbidity. Up to 90% of women will suffer from NVP symptoms in the first trimester of pregnancy with up to 2% developing ...Which Drug Is More Effective for Treating Hyperemesis Gravidarum? | AAFPLess severe forms of nausea and ... of all pregnancies. Treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum may require hospitalization, and includes intravenous rehydration, antiemetic medications, and psychosocial support. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends intravenous dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), metoclopramide (Reglan), and promethazine (Phenergan) as first-line medications. Previous studies have evaluated promethazine, ondansetron (Zofran), ...Hyperemesis Gravidarum Medication: Vitamins, Herbal medications, Antiemetics, Corticosteroids, AntihistaminesNausea and vomiting inpregnancy is extremely common. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HEG) is the most severe form of nausea and vomiting inpregnancy.Read full articleSource: MedscapePregnancy sickness (nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum) | RCOGThis patient information leaflet provides advice for women on pregnancy sickness.Treatment of Hyperemesis Gravidarum - PMCHyperemesisgravidarum, or pernicious vomiting of pregnancy, is a complication of pregnancy that affects various areas of the woman’s health, including homeostasis, electrolytes, and kidney function, and may have adverse fetal consequences. Recent ...
Risks and Considerations
Side effects and medication-specific risks
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Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and sometimes constipation or diarrhea, depending on the medication.
Which Drug Is More Effective for Treating Hyperemesis Gravidarum? | AAFPLess severe forms of nausea and ... of all pregnancies. Treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum may require hospitalization, and includes intravenous rehydration, antiemetic medications, and psychosocial support. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends intravenous dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), metoclopramide (Reglan), and promethazine (Phenergan) as first-line medications. Previous studies have evaluated promethazine, ondansetron (Zofran), ...Treatment of Hyperemesis Gravidarum - PMCHyperemesisgravidarum, or pernicious vomiting of pregnancy, is a complication of pregnancy that affects various areas of the woman’s health, including homeostasis, electrolytes, and kidney function, and may have adverse fetal consequences. Recent ...
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Some medications, such as promethazine, may cause more drowsiness or movement-related side effects (like muscle stiffness or restlessness) compared to others.
Which Drug Is More Effective for Treating Hyperemesis Gravidarum? | AAFPLess severe forms of nausea and ... of all pregnancies. Treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum may require hospitalization, and includes intravenous rehydration, antiemetic medications, and psychosocial support. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends intravenous dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), metoclopramide (Reglan), and promethazine (Phenergan) as first-line medications. Previous studies have evaluated promethazine, ondansetron (Zofran), ...Treatment of Hyperemesis Gravidarum - PMCHyperemesisgravidarum, or pernicious vomiting of pregnancy, is a complication of pregnancy that affects various areas of the woman’s health, including homeostasis, electrolytes, and kidney function, and may have adverse fetal consequences. Recent ...
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Metoclopramide is generally well-tolerated but can rarely cause movement disorders, especially with long-term use.
Which Drug Is More Effective for Treating Hyperemesis Gravidarum? | AAFPLess severe forms of nausea and ... of all pregnancies. Treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum may require hospitalization, and includes intravenous rehydration, antiemetic medications, and psychosocial support. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends intravenous dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), metoclopramide (Reglan), and promethazine (Phenergan) as first-line medications. Previous studies have evaluated promethazine, ondansetron (Zofran), ...Treatment of Hyperemesis Gravidarum - PMCHyperemesisgravidarum, or pernicious vomiting of pregnancy, is a complication of pregnancy that affects various areas of the woman’s health, including homeostasis, electrolytes, and kidney function, and may have adverse fetal consequences. Recent ...
Ondansetron (Zofran): effectiveness and ongoing safety questions
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Ondansetron is effective for severe nausea and vomiting, but its safety in early pregnancy is still being studied. Some research suggests no increased risk of major birth defects, while other studies have raised concerns about a possible small increase in certain birth defects when used in the first trimester.
Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy | ACOGThere are safe treatment options that can make you feel better and keep your symptoms from getting worse.The Management of Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy and Hyperemesis GravidarumGinger may be used by women wishing to avoid antiemetic therapies in mild to moderate NVP. ... Women may be reassured that acustimulations are safe inpregnancy.Ondansetron Use in Pregnancy - PMCIn an RCT comparing doxylamine and pyridoxine combination therapy with orally administered ondansetron, ondansetron was found to be superior in reducing both nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.17 Ondansetron has also been compared with metoclopramide in the treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum ...Ondansetron (Zofran®) - MotherToBaby | Fact Sheets - NCBI BookshelfThis sheet is about exposure to ondansetron in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information is based on available published literature. It should not take the place ofmedical care and advice from your healthcare provider.Read full articleSource: ncbi.nlm.nih.govOndansetron and pregnancy: Understanding the data - PMCNausea and vomiting ofpregnancy (NVP) is a common condition affecting 75% of pregnant women. NVP generally commences early in the first trimester, peaking in severity between 7 and 12 weeks and in over 90% symptoms will have abated by week 20. ...Treating morning sickness in the United States—changes in prescribing are needed - American Journal of Obstetrics & GynecologyPresently, 97.7% ofprescriptionsfor the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy in the United States are with medications not labeled for use in pregnancy, not indicated for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, and not classified as safe in pregnancy by the Food and Drug Administration.
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Ondansetron can also affect heart rhythm in rare cases, especially in people with certain underlying conditions or electrolyte imbalances.
Treating morning sickness in the United States—changes in prescribing are needed - American Journal of Obstetrics & GynecologyPresently, 97.7% ofprescriptionsfor the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy in the United States are with medications not labeled for use in pregnancy, not indicated for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, and not classified as safe in pregnancy by the Food and Drug Administration.
Steroids and other second-line options
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Steroids (like methylprednisolone) may be considered if other medications fail, but they are generally avoided in the first trimester due to a possible small increase in the risk of cleft lip or palate.
Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy | AAFPNausea and vomiting of pregnancy, commonly known as “morningsickness,” affects approximately 80 percent of pregnant women. Although several theories have been proposed, the exact cause remains unclear. Recent research has implicated Helicobacter pylori as one possible cause.
How Doctors Decide on Medication Use
Balancing risks and benefits for you and your baby
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The decision to use prescription medications is based on whether the benefits (relief of severe symptoms and prevention of complications) outweigh the potential risks.
Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy | ACOGThere are safe treatment options that can make you feel better and keep your symptoms from getting worse.Treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: An updated algorithm - PMCMy patient has severe nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP). I am having difficulty treating her, as nothing she has tried so far has been really effective. I heard that there is some new information regarding the treatment of this condition. Even ...
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Most medications used for severe morning sickness have been shown to be safe in pregnancy, but your doctor will consider your specific health history and the severity of your symptoms when recommending treatment.
Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy | AAFPNausea and vomiting of pregnancy, commonly known as “morningsickness,” affects approximately 80 percent of pregnant women. Although several theories have been proposed, the exact cause remains unclear. Recent research has implicated Helicobacter pylori as one possible cause.Hyperemesis Gravidarum in Emergency Medicine MedicationNausea and vomiting inpregnancy is extremely common. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HEG) is the most severe form of nausea and vomiting inpregnancy.Read full articleSource: MedscapeMorning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy | ACOGThere are safe treatment options that can make you feel better and keep your symptoms from getting worse.Pregnancy sickness (nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum) | RCOGThis patient information leaflet provides advice for women on pregnancy sickness.
What This Means for You
If you are struggling with severe morning sickness, prescription medications can be an important tool to help you feel better and avoid complications. Most options are considered safe, but each has its own side effect profile and considerations. If you have concerns about a specific medication, it might be beneficial to discuss them with your OB/GYN, who can help you weigh the risks and benefits for your situation and monitor you for any side effects or complications.Peer-Reviewed Research
Published, peer-reviewed scientific studies from journals or databases.
Clinical Guidelines & Professional Sources
Clinical recommendations from government, public health organizations, or professional medical provider associations.
Medical & Academic Institutions
Information from hospitals, research institutions, or academic medical centers known for clinical expertise and research contributions.
General Health & Web Sources
Publicly available health-related articles from non-peer-reviewed sources. These may reference research or clinical guidelines, but are not primary sources.
Uncategorized Sources
Information from sources that have not yet been categorized.