Is it safe for pregnant women to take motion sickness pills?

The article was written by a pharmacist working at the Pharmacy Department - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.

Motion sickness is a normal response of the body to an abnormal change. The degree of motion sickness depends on many different factors, including pregnancy. Some women only experience motion sickness during pregnancy, or some have had motion sickness before, and the motion sickness becomes worse during pregnancy.

Pregnant women are special subjects, need to be very careful in using the drug because the drug can cross the placenta and affect the fetus. To reduce motion sickness in pregnant women can apply some of the following “non-medication tips”:
Should look far into the horizon or stationary objects in the distance Should talk to people around or listen to music Use a U-neck pillow or headrest to avoid unnecessary movement of the child's head The seat should be reclined as much as possible. Choose the right seat: If traveling by car, you should sit in the front of the car or the upper rows instead of sitting in the lower rows. If you are sailing, you should choose a sitting position on the lower deck or in the cabin. Should arrange a cool space (open the window or use the air conditioner), avoid strong odors, avoid heat If there are signs of motion sickness while driving. when moving, if possible, stop the car, go out and walk around for a few minutes Avoid reading, watching movies or focusing on the phone screen while moving Avoid greasy, hot or full meals first Eating ginger candy or acupressure is also a solution to help reduce nausea and motion sickness

Some pregnant women, despite applying the above tips, the car sickness still does not improve much. There are several medications that can help prevent and treat motion sickness such as Dimenhydrinate, Meclizine, Diphenhydramine, Scopolamine, Promethazine.
However, not all of the above drugs are safe for pregnant women. Here are some medications that can be considered for pregnant women:

The most common undesirable effect of most of the above anti-motion sickness drugs is drowsiness when used, so it should not be used while driving.
In addition, to reduce nausea and vomiting (the most common symptom of motion sickness), pregnant women can use vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): Take 10-25mg / time x 3-4 times/day.

With prescription drugs, a doctor's prescription is required to use. With over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, it is necessary to read the product instructions carefully to make sure there are no contraindications, dosages and possible undesirable effects.
During pregnancy, the mother always needs to monitor the health of herself and the fetus through adequate antenatal check-ups and a balanced diet and lifestyle. In the use of medicinal preparations, the mother's body is sick, it is necessary to have consultation and examination from an obstetrician-specialist to avoid bad effects from diseases as well as medicinal products. pregnancy. When any signs of complications occur, pregnant women should be taken to the hospital for early examination and treatment to minimize unnecessary consequences.

Article reference source: update