How to Stop Motion Sickness During Pregnancy 2023

Pregnancy is a beautiful experience for many women. However, along with the joy comes some discomforts and challenges, such as morning sickness and fatigue. Another common issue that many pregnant women face is motion sickness. This is when you feel nauseous or dizzy when traveling in a car, airplane, or boat. Motion sickness can make traveling during pregnancy a challenging and unpleasant experience. In this article, we will discuss some practical tips and remedies to help you prevent or alleviate motion sickness during pregnancy.

Understanding Motion Sickness During Pregnancy

Before we dive into the tips and remedies, let’s understand what causes motion sickness during pregnancy. Motion sickness occurs when there is a conflict between the visual perception and the sensory perception of motion. When you are moving, your eyes and ears send signals to your brain. However, when these signals conflict, it can cause you to feel dizzy, nauseous, or even vomit.

During pregnancy, hormonal changes and the growing uterus can affect the balance mechanisms in your inner ear, making you more susceptible to motion sickness. Moreover, the pressure of the growing uterus on your stomach can cause acid reflux, which can worsen the symptoms of motion sickness.

Tips to Prevent Motion Sickness During Pregnancy

Prevention is always better than cure, and the same goes for motion sickness during pregnancy. Here are some tips that can help you avoid motion sickness:

1. Choose the Right Seat

When traveling by car or bus, choose a seat where you can see the road ahead. Sitting in the front seat or by the window can help you stabilize your vision and reduce the conflicting signals that cause motion sickness.

2. Take Breaks

Taking breaks during long car trips can help you avoid motion sickness. Every few hours, take a break, get out of the car, and walk around. This can help your body adjust to the motion and prevent the buildup of nausea.

3. Eat Light and Stay Hydrated

Eating heavy or greasy foods before traveling can worsen the symptoms of motion sickness. Instead, eat light meals or snacks that are easy to digest. Also, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as dehydration can make motion sickness worse.

4. Avoid Strong Smells

Strong smells, such as perfume, cigarette smoke, or food odors, can trigger motion sickness. Try to avoid these smells or wear a mask if you can’t avoid them.

5. Use Acupressure

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body. Some studies suggest that acupressure can help alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness. You can try using acupressure bands or bracelets that apply pressure to the P6 point on your wrist.

Remedies to Alleviate Motion Sickness During Pregnancy

If you still experience motion sickness despite taking preventive measures, there are several remedies that you can try to alleviate the symptoms. Here are some options:

1. Ginger

Ginger is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries to alleviate nausea and vomiting. You can try drinking ginger tea, eating ginger candy, or taking ginger supplements to reduce the symptoms of motion sickness.

2. Peppermint

Peppermint is another natural remedy that can help soothe your stomach and reduce nausea. You can try drinking peppermint tea, chewing peppermint gum, or using peppermint essential oil to alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness.

3. Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is a nutrient that can help alleviate nausea and vomiting. Some studies suggest that taking vitamin B6 supplements during pregnancy can help reduce the symptoms of morning sickness and motion sickness.

4. Medications

In severe cases, your doctor may recommend medications to help alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness during pregnancy. However, it’s essential to talk to your doctor before taking any medication, as some drugs can harm your baby.

Some medications that may help alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness during pregnancy include antihistamines, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine (Bonine), and phenothiazines, such as promethazine (Phenergan).

5. Mind-Body Techniques

Mind-body techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and visualization, can help you reduce stress and anxiety, which can worsen the symptoms of motion sickness. Try to practice these techniques before traveling or during your trip to help you relax and alleviate the symptoms.

Preventing motion sickness during pregnancy

Preventing motion sickness during pregnancy can be challenging, but there are several strategies that may help:

• Avoid Triggers: Try to avoid situations that may trigger motion sickness, such as traveling in a car on winding roads, or riding on a boat or roller coaster.
• Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day may help prevent motion sickness. Avoid foods that are greasy, spicy, or acidic.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, can help prevent dehydration and reduce symptoms of motion sickness.
• Rest: Getting enough rest and avoiding fatigue can help prevent motion sickness. Take frequent breaks and try to get enough sleep.
• Choose your seat wisely: If possible, choose a seat where you can see the horizon, such as in the front seat of a car or on the upper deck of a boat. Sitting in a seat facing backwards can increase the risk of motion sickness.
• Use acupressure wristbands: Acupressure wristbands apply pressure to the Nei-Kuan point on the wrist, which may help prevent motion sickness. These can be found in drugstores or online.
• Talk to your healthcare provider: If you continue to experience motion sickness despite these strategies, talk to your healthcare provider. They may be able to recommend medication or other treatments to help alleviate your symptoms.

Safe medications for motion sickness during pregnancy

It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any medication during pregnancy, including those for motion sickness. However, here are some medications that are generally considered safe for treating motion sickness during pregnancy:

• Vitamin B6: This vitamin is often recommended as a first-line treatment for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It can also be effective in reducing motion sickness symptoms. Your healthcare provider may recommend a dose of up to 25mg, three times a day.
• Antihistamines: Certain antihistamines, such as doxylamine (Unisom) and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), may be safe to use for motion sickness during pregnancy. However, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any medication.
• Scopolamine patch: The scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop) is a prescription medication that can be effective in preventing motion sickness. However, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before using this medication, as it can have side effects and may not be safe for everyone.
• Ondansetron: Ondansetron (Zofran) is a prescription medication that is often used to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. It may also be effective in reducing motion sickness symptoms. However, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medication.

It’s important to note that some medications may not be safe during certain stages of pregnancy, so always consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication. Additionally, some natural remedies, such as ginger and acupressure, may also be effective in treating motion sickness and may be a safer option for some women.

How long does motion sickness last during pregnancy

The duration of motion sickness during pregnancy can vary from woman to woman and from episode to episode. In some cases, it may only last a few minutes, while in others it may persist for several hours.

The severity and duration of motion sickness can also depend on factors such as the mode of transportation, the duration of the trip, and how sensitive the individual is to motion.

It’s important to note that while motion sickness during pregnancy can be uncomfortable and unpleasant, it usually does not have any long-term effects on the mother or the baby. However, if symptoms persist or are severe, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment options.

Motion sickness during early pregnancy

Motion sickness during early pregnancy is a common symptom for many women. It’s thought to be caused by the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, which can affect the body’s balance and equilibrium.

Some common symptoms of motion sickness during early pregnancy may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Headache

If you are experiencing motion sickness during early pregnancy, there are several strategies you can try to alleviate your symptoms. These include:

• Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day
• Avoiding greasy or spicy foods
• Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
• Getting enough rest and avoiding fatigue
• Choosing a seat where you can see the horizon, such as in the front seat of a car or on the upper deck of a boat
• Using acupressure wristbands, which apply pressure to the Nei-Kuan point on the wrist and may help alleviate symptoms

It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any medication for motion sickness during early pregnancy, as some medications may not be safe during this time. Additionally, if your symptoms are severe or persist despite these strategies, it’s important to seek medical attention for further evaluation and treatment options.

Best diets for motion sickness during pregnancy

There isn’t a specific diet that has been proven to prevent or treat motion sickness during pregnancy. However, eating certain foods and avoiding others may help alleviate symptoms. Here are some dietary tips that may be helpful:

• Eat small, frequent meals: Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day can help prevent nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness. Avoid large meals that may make you feel more nauseous.
• Choose bland, easy-to-digest foods: Stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods such as crackers, toast, plain rice, and bananas. Avoid spicy, fatty, or greasy foods, as these may worsen nausea and vomiting.
• Stay hydrated: It’s important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Sip on water, clear broths, or herbal tea throughout the day.
• Avoid strong odors: Strong smells, such as those from cooking or perfumes, may worsen motion sickness. Avoid exposure to strong odors as much as possible.
• Consider ginger: Ginger has been shown to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting. You can try drinking ginger tea, eating ginger candies, or taking ginger supplements to help alleviate symptoms.

It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before making any significant dietary changes, especially during pregnancy. Additionally, if your symptoms persist or are severe, it’s important to seek medical attention for further evaluation and treatment options.

How to cope with motion sickness at work during pregnancy

Coping with motion sickness at work during pregnancy can be challenging, but there are several strategies that may help alleviate symptoms. Here are some tips to help you cope with motion sickness at work during pregnancy:

1. Take breaks: Taking frequent breaks to rest and move around can help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness. Try to get up and stretch every hour or so, and take short walks if possible.
2. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent dehydration and reduce symptoms of motion sickness. Keep a water bottle at your desk and sip on water throughout the day.
3. Avoid strong odors: Strong smells, such as those from perfumes, cleaning products, or food, may worsen motion sickness. Try to avoid exposure to strong odors as much as possible.
4. Choose your workspace wisely: If possible, choose a workspace that is located away from sources of motion, such as elevators or noisy machinery.
5. Adjust your computer settings: Adjusting your computer settings, such as the brightness and font size, can help reduce eye strain and prevent headaches.
6. Consider wearing acupressure wristbands: Acupressure wristbands apply pressure to the Nei-Kuan point on the wrist and may help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness. Talk to your healthcare provider before using these wristbands.

It’s important to talk to your employer and healthcare provider about your symptoms, as they may be able to make accommodations to help alleviate your symptoms. Additionally, if your symptoms persist or are severe, it’s important to seek medical attention for further evaluation and treatment options.

Motion sickness during air travel while pregnant

Motion sickness during air travel while pregnant can be uncomfortable, but there are several strategies that may help alleviate symptoms. Here are some tips to help you cope with motion sickness during air travel while pregnant:

• Choose your seat wisely: If possible, choose a seat where you can see the horizon, such as a window seat. This may help reduce the feeling of motion and prevent motion sickness.
• Eat light, frequent meals: Eating light, frequent meals throughout the day can help prevent nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness. Avoid large meals that may make you feel more nauseous.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to prevent dehydration and reduce symptoms of motion sickness.
• Avoid strong odors: Strong smells, such as those from food or perfumes, may worsen motion sickness. Try to avoid exposure to strong odors as much as possible.
• Rest: Getting enough rest and avoiding fatigue can help prevent motion sickness. Try to get some rest before your flight and take frequent breaks to stretch your legs during the flight.
• Consider acupressure wristbands: Acupressure wristbands apply pressure to the Nei-Kuan point on the wrist and may help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness. Talk to your healthcare provider before using these wristbands.

It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before traveling, especially during pregnancy. Additionally, if your symptoms persist or are severe, it’s important to seek medical attention for further evaluation and treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions