Your browser version may not work well with NCBI's Web applications. More information here...
1: Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2002 May;186(5 Suppl Understanding):S253-5.Click here to read Links

Overview of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy with an emphasis on vitamins and ginger.

Niebyl JR, Goodwin TM.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City 52242, USA. jennifer-niebyl@uiowa.edu

Patients suffering from nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) frequently do not receive therapy, in part because of fears of adverse effects of medications on the fetus. Several vitamin-based and herbal therapies have been shown to be effective and safe. Two randomized trials of vitamin B(6) have shown a benefit in reducing NVP. Women taking periconceptional multivitamins are less likely to have severe NVP. The combination of vitamin B(6) and doxylamine (previously marketed in the United States as Bendectin) has been shown to be safe for the fetus and effective in reducing NVP. Ginger was shown, in 2 studies, to reduce NVP. Vitamin B(1) (thiamine) deficiency can lead to Wernicke's encephalopathy in women with severe NVP. Replacement is needed for all women with vomiting of more than 3 weeks' duration. Prophylaxis with multivitamins and therapy with B(6), with or without doxylamine, are safe and effective therapies for NVP.

PMID: 12011896 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Patient Drug Information

  • Thiamine

    Thiamine is a vitamin used by the body to break down sugars in the diet. The medication helps correct nerve and heart problems that occur when a person's diet does not contain enough thiamine.

  • Multivitamins

    Vitamins are natural substances that your body needs to grow, develop, and function normally. Vitamins are contained in food; a well-balanced diet usually provides all of the vitamins required. However, there are times, ...

  • Doxylamine (Aldex® AN, Nighttime Sleep Aid® Tablets, Unisom® SleepTabs, ...)

    Doxylamine is used in the short-term treatment of insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep). Doxylamine is also used in combination with decongestants and other medications to relieve sneezing, runny nose, a...

  • Source: AHFS Consumer Medication Information