What should you know about anti-nausea medicine in pregnancy?

Pregnancy-related nausea may occur with or without vomiting, often changing through the day. Nausea can also result from gastroenteritis, food poisoning, gastritis, acid reflux, gallstones, heat exhaustion, hepatitis A, or low blood sugar. The treatment choice depends on the cause and on whether you can keep fluids and food down. A product sold without a prescription is not automatically suitable during pregnancy, and herbal or combination products also need checking.

Try small, frequent meals; plain foods; regular sips of fluid; and avoiding smells that trigger symptoms. Keep a record of vomiting, fluids, urine, pain, fever, and medicines or supplements. Do not borrow someone else’s tablets or exceed label directions. Speak with your maternity clinician or pharmacist before starting a product, and tell them about other medicines, allergies, and medical conditions.

Seek urgent assessment if you cannot keep fluids down, pass very little or dark urine, feel faint or confused, vomit blood, have severe abdominal pain, fever, or a severe headache. Contact your maternity team promptly when vomiting is frequent, worsening, or preventing food, fluids, or prescribed medicines from staying down.

Ask which medicine and dose suit your pregnancy, how long to use it, what side effects require contact, and whether your symptoms need testing for another cause.