Pregnancy is a blissful and bountiful experience, but it definitely comes with its shares of bumps. It’s similar to the ideal vacation and naively forgetting about travel hassles, bad weather and other inconveniences. I quickly learned that pregnancy can include motion sickness, whether on a boat or by car. While it’s not a life threatening condition, it is uncomfortable especially when pregnant.
Nausea is already an unpleasant experience, but pair it with a baby bump, and life truly becomes a balancing act. The good news is if you are don’t normally experience motion sickness, then the chances are slim that you’ll experience motion sickness during your pregnancy. However, if you’ve already played victim to motion sickness, then read on.
“Pregnant women are prone to morning sickness but may not be prone to motion sickness unless they have a prior history,” said Dr. Susan B. Poncy, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., and director of Women’s Health at Jupiter Medical Center. “The vestibular system plays a role in both processes but little has been studied linking motion sickness directly with pregnancy.”
To help reduce the level of discomfort, Dr. Poncy recommends Dramamine. Yes, it is a drug, but it’s doctor approved. “Dramamine is a Pregnancy Class B medication and can be taken during pregnancy,” advised Dr. Poncy. She also recommends “250 mg capsules of ginger four times daily,” which has been shown to reduce nausea. Vitamin B6 and Doxylamine (a medication in over-the-counter sleep aids) are also safe and can relieve symptoms, adds Dr. Poncy.
