Over The Counter Nausea Medicine Safe For Pregnancy
It is common for many women to experience nausea during pregnancy. In fact, up to 80% of women experience some form of nausea or vomiting during their pregnancy. While this is a normal part of pregnancy, it can be uncomfortable and can make it difficult to eat or drink. This is where over the counter nausea medicine comes in.
Many women are hesitant to take any medication during their pregnancy, especially during the first trimester when the baby is developing. However, there are some over the counter nausea medicines that are considered safe to take during pregnancy. In this article, we will discuss some of the options available to pregnant women and what to look for when choosing an over the counter nausea medicine.
What Causes Nausea During Pregnancy?
Nausea during pregnancy is believed to be caused by the hormonal changes that occur in the body during pregnancy. The hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced in large amounts during the first trimester and is believed to contribute to nausea and vomiting. Other hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, are also thought to play a role in causing nausea during pregnancy.
Safe Over The Counter Nausea Medicines For Pregnancy
While there are many over the counter nausea medicines available, not all of them are safe to take during pregnancy. Here are some of the options that are considered safe:
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is a natural remedy that is often recommended for pregnant women who are experiencing nausea. It is available over the counter and can be found in the vitamin section of most drug stores. The recommended dose is 25mg to 50mg every 8 hours.
Ginger
Ginger is another natural remedy that is often recommended for nausea during pregnancy. It can be taken in many forms, including ginger tea, ginger ale, or ginger supplements. The recommended dose is 250mg to 500mg every 6 hours.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines such as doxylamine and diphenhydramine are considered safe to take during pregnancy. They are often found in over the counter sleep aids such as Unisom and Benadryl. The recommended dose is 25mg to 50mg every 8 hours.
Emetrol
Emetrol is an over the counter nausea medicine that is specifically designed for pregnant women. It is made from natural ingredients and is considered safe to take during pregnancy. The recommended dose is 5ml to 15ml every 15 minutes as needed.
What To Look For When Choosing An Over The Counter Nausea Medicine
When choosing an over the counter nausea medicine, it is important to read the label carefully and look for the following:
- Active ingredients that are considered safe for pregnancy
- Dosage instructions that are appropriate for pregnancy
- No alcohol, aspirin, or ibuprofen
- No drowsy or sedating effects
If you are unsure about whether or not a particular over the counter nausea medicine is safe to take during pregnancy, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Nausea during pregnancy is a common and uncomfortable symptom, but there are over the counter nausea medicines that are considered safe to take during pregnancy. Vitamin B6, ginger, antihistamines, and Emetrol are all options that pregnant women can consider. When choosing an over the counter nausea medicine, it is important to read the label carefully and look for active ingredients that are considered safe for pregnancy, appropriate dosage instructions, and no drowsy or sedating effects. And, as always, if you are unsure about whether or not a particular medication is safe to take during pregnancy, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider.