Motion sickness, characterized by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and cold sweats, can significantly affect daily life. This condition arises when the brain receives conflicting signals from the eyes, inner ears, and body regarding movement. While common for many, motion sickness can become particularly pronounced or even appear for the first time during pregnancy. This article provides general information on managing motion sickness during pregnancy.
General Medication Safety During Pregnancy
Considering any medication during pregnancy requires a thoughtful approach and consultation with a healthcare provider. Physiological changes during pregnancy can alter how medications are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated, affecting their efficacy and safety. Therefore, the risks and benefits for both the pregnant individual and the developing fetus must be carefully weighed before treatment.
No medication is without theoretical risk during pregnancy, and safety data varies for different drugs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) replaced its historical categorical drug safety system (A, B, C, D, X) with a more detailed labeling approach. This current system provides specific information on fetal risks and pregnancy registries, emphasizing individualized assessment. Consulting a healthcare provider ensures decisions are tailored to individual health circumstances and current medical understanding.
Medications for Motion Sickness During Pregnancy
Several over-the-counter medications can relieve motion sickness during pregnancy, but always discuss their use with a healthcare provider. Antihistamines are often recommended for their antiemetic properties.
Meclizine (e.g., Antivert, Bonine) is an antihistamine that helps reduce dizziness and nausea. Studies on meclizine have not indicated an increased risk of abnormalities during pregnancy.
Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) is another antihistamine widely used for motion and morning sickness in pregnancy since 1972. Clinical studies have not indicated an increased risk of abnormalities with dimenhydrinate. While it crosses the placenta, there have been no documented adverse effects on the fetus from its use over many decades.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is another first-generation antihistamine for motion sickness. While generally considered safe for occasional use at recommended doses, some studies suggest potential risks with frequent or high-dose use, such as newborn withdrawal symptoms or uterine contractions in the third trimester. It can also cause drowsiness, which may be more pronounced during pregnancy.
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) is often recommended for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and can also help with motion sickness. It can be used alone or combined with doxylamine, an antihistamine approved for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. The combination of doxylamine and pyridoxine has been studied extensively and is considered a first-line therapy for pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
Non-Drug Approaches to Motion Sickness Relief
Several non-drug strategies can alleviate motion sickness during pregnancy. Dietary adjustments are important; eating small, frequent meals can help keep the stomach settled. Avoid greasy, spicy, or strong-smelling foods, which can exacerbate nausea. Bland, carbohydrate-rich foods like crackers, dry toast, or cereal may also provide relief.
Environmental changes can also mitigate symptoms. Ensure good ventilation and fresh air in a vehicle. Focusing on a fixed point on the horizon can stabilize visual input, reducing conflicting signals. Choose seating that minimizes perceived motion, such as the front seat of a car or over the wing in an airplane. Stay well-hydrated by sipping fluids frequently to prevent dehydration, which can worsen nausea.
Complementary therapies can also help with motion sickness. Ginger, in forms like ginger ale, chews, or tea, has traditional use and some evidence for reducing nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and motion sickness. Acupressure bands (e.g., Sea-Bands) worn on the wrists target the P6 (Nei-Guan) acupoint, believed to alleviate nausea and vomiting. This method is non-invasive and generally has few side effects.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
While many cases of motion sickness during pregnancy are manageable with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter remedies, certain situations require consultation with a healthcare provider. Consult a healthcare provider if nausea and vomiting become severe and persistent, preventing you from keeping down food or liquids. This could indicate hyperemesis gravidarum.
This condition is characterized by severe nausea, frequent vomiting (more than three to four times a day), and significant weight loss. Also seek medical attention for signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination, very dark urine, dizziness, lightheadedness, or extreme fatigue. Additionally, seek professional medical advice if symptoms do not improve with non-drug approaches or over-the-counter medications, or if you have concerns about potential medication interactions.