Recommendations for Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, but that does not make them any less uncomfortable. At Columbus OB/GYN, we want you to feel supported with simple, practical steps that may help you manage symptoms at home. The recommendations below include over-the-counter options, hydration tips, and diet suggestions that may help ease nausea. Please contact our office if your symptoms continue, worsen, or you are unable to keep fluids down for more than 24 hours.
B6 25mg/Unisom 25mg/Pepcid complete combo
We recommend that you try B6 25mg/Unisom 25mg/Pepcid complete combo, all of which are available over the counter and generics are fine. If you can only find the B6 in a 50mg or 100mg tablet, that’s fine, just break it in half and take ½ in the morning and ½ at night. Unisom is marketed as a sleep aide; however, it is really just an antihistamine and at this small dose typically very well tolerated. These two medications are the active ingredients in a medication called Bonjesta that’s made to be taken twice daily and created especially for nausea in pregnant women. It is not well covered by insurance, which is why we recommend this over-the-counter mixture. We recommend adding the Pepcid complete to help control the stomach acid, bile component that can often make nausea worse. Use all three medications twice a day on a schedule. If Unisom makes you too drowsy, it’s okay to omit the AM dose. These should be used twice a day, every day, not just when you feel nauseated.
If you should go for more than 24 hours without being able to keep fluids down, we recommend you go to the ER for evaluation and possible IV hydration. Small frequent sips of fluids like Gatorade, Pedialyte, chicken broth, Jello, popsicles, etc. can help alleviate symptoms. Bland diet and small snacks consisting of complex carbohydrates and protein, such as peanut butter & pretzels, cheese & crackers, can help as well.
When to Contact Columbus OB/GYN
If you are still struggling after trying this for several days, please reach out to our office at (614) 434-2400.