Morning Sickness and Nausea

Vitamin B6 & Unisom

• The combo of B6 and Unisom block substances and neurotransmitters in the body that cause nausea and vomitting. 

• Unisom: the active ingredient is doxylamine, an antihistamine that blocks the action of natural substances in that body that trigger nausea (*unisom does contain blue dye)

• B6: deficiency in this vitamin can lead to nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. *I recommend taking B6 phosphate because it’s better tolerated by those who many have the MTHFR gene mutation (I prefer B6 Phosphate because it’s better tolerated by those who many have the MTHFR gene mutation)

  • 10-25 mg B6 3x/day every 6-8 hours

  • 25 mg Unisom SleepTabs once before bed 

Peppermint

Peppermint helps relax the muscles of the GI tract, making it an excellent nausea remedy.

The scent of peppermint alone can help relieve nausea, as well. In fact, in a 2021 study that followed 100 hospitalized patients, the ones who chose the peppermint aromatherapy option cited significant improvement in nausea compared to the combined aromatherapy/antiemetic.

A few options:

• Drink as a tea 

• Smell oil as needed

• Rub oil on belly

• Drop oil in hot water

• Suck on peppermints

Source: Mohr C, Jensen C, Padden N, Besel JM, Brant JM. Peppermint Essential Oil for Nausea and Vomiting in Hospitalized Patients: Incorporating Holistic Patient Decision Making Into the Research Design. J Holist Nurs.

Ginger

Ginger binds seratonin receptors which can help relieve nausea. It also improves digestion, and reduces inflammation. Two studies suggested that ginger was equally as effective as metoclopramide.

• Ginger Chews

• Ginger Tea

• Hot Water, Ginger, Lemon, Honey

Source: Ernst E, Pittler MH. Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Br J Anaesth. 2000 Mar;84(3):367-71. doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bja.a013442. PMID: 10793599.

Acupuncture Points

The following acupuncture points stimulate nerves which release chemicals that can help with pain and nausea. 

• KID 6 point - a thumbs width below the protruding bone on your foot

• KID 27 point - feel collar bone then use thumb to feel the depression in the middle of your breastbone. Two thumb widths to either side of that just below color bone 

• PC 6 point - inner wrist, measure three finger widths from the hand up your wrist. This is also the pressure point targeted with sea bands, which you can also use.

Other Nausea Options

• Earth Mama's Tummy Relief Tincture (code ALEXK10 for 10% off)

• MotherLove Morning Sickness Blend (thenaturalmindedmama15 for 15% on website)

• Herb Pharm Not Now Nausea Spray

• Boiron Homeopathy Nausea Calm

Options to Consider if You Take Zofran

If you do end up taking Zofran, no judgement. It was the only thing that would provide me an ounce of relief during my pregnancies, and my husband has had to take after surgery before. Zofran can cause serious constipation, so consider keeping up with some preventatives from the get go.

• Liquid Magnesium (Magnesium in general is great, but liquid tends to be more fast acting)

• Flaxseed Oil - Mix 1tsp into 2oz of prune or aloe vera juice for the best constipation magic juice!

• If you need something more medicinal, Genexa is a great brand