Morning sickness

Medication & other treatments

If you have severe morning sickness, your doctor or midwife might recommend medication or other treatments.

Anti-sickness medication (antiemetics)

If your nausea and vomiting is severe and doesn't improve after changing your diet and lifestyle, your GP may recommend a short course of an antiemetic – an anti-sickness medicine that is safe to use during pregnancy. Side effects are rare but can include muscle twitching. Your doctor might prescribe an antihistamine (usually used to treat allergies such as hay fever), which also works as an antiemetic.

Ginger

Ginger supplements may help reduce the symptoms of nausea and vomiting in some pregnant women. To date, there have not been any reports of adverse effects from taking ginger during pregnancy. However, ginger products are unlicensed in the UK, so buy them from a reputable pharmacy or supermarket, and check with your GP or midwife beforehand. Some women find that ginger biscuits or ginger ale can also help reduce nausea – see what works for you.

Acupressure

Research suggests that pressure on certain parts of the body may cause the brain to release chemicals that reduce nausea and vomiting, and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) advises that acupressure on the wrist may be effective for reducing nausea in pregnancy. Acupressure involves wearing a special band or bracelet on your forearm. There have been no reports of any serious adverse effects from using acupressure during pregnancy.