Nondrug therapy for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy

Lowe, 2019

Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy can often be effectively managed with nondrug therapy. Reassurance of a good prognosis and dietary modification may be sufficient. Modifications may include:

  • eating small, frequent, high-carbohydrate, low-fat meals
  • changing to a multivitamin without iron12
  • maintaining adequate hydration with cold drinks or ice chips as tolerated
  • snacking on high-protein foods between meals
  • eating crackers or plain biscuits before getting out of bed in the morning
  • avoiding spicy foods and strong odours.

Adequate sleep is important because fatigue can exacerbate symptoms. Other nondrug therapy includes P-6 acupressure on the arm. Ginger (1 to 2 g powdered ginger orally, daily) may also be helpful.

1 Pregnant people with iron-deficiency anaemia should not discontinue iron supplements, though an alternative method of administration may be considered.Return
2 If stopped, iron supplements should be restarted around week 12 of gestation, when iron demands increase.Return