Morning sickness, with its lovely symptoms of nausea and vomiting, is a super-common experience during pregnancy. It usually kicks in around weeks 4 to 7.
If you’re struggling with morning sickness, you may be wondering if there are any safe and effective treatments.
The combination of Unisom (doxylamine) and vitamin B6 is often recommended, and many pregnant people swear by it. However, it’s important to talk with your doctor or midwife before trying any new medications or supplements during pregnancy.
This article offers a comprehensive guide to using Unisom and B6 for nausea during pregnancy, so you can make an informed decision about what’s right for you.
What is morning sickness?
Morning sickness is a misleading name for the nausea and vomiting that often accompany early pregnancy. The term suggests it only happens in the morning, but it can occur at any time of the day or night.
Prevalence and timing
Morning sickness is surprisingly common. Some studies show that up to 75% of pregnant people experience it.
Morning sickness typically starts between weeks 4 and 7 of pregnancy, and for most people, the symptoms subside after the first trimester.
Morning sickness vs. hyperemesis gravidarum
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of morning sickness. If you have hyperemesis gravidarum, you may need medical treatment to help you stay hydrated and nourished. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.
How do Unisom and vitamin B6 help with morning sickness?
Morning sickness can be rough, and you may find yourself looking for remedies that actually work. Here’s why the combination of Unisom and vitamin B6 is often recommended.
The role of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Vitamin B6 has been shown to reduce nausea in pregnant women. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) actually recommends that you try vitamin B6 alone before you try taking it with doxylamine.
The role of Unisom (doxylamine)
Doxylamine is the active ingredient in Unisom, and it’s an antihistamine that can help with vomiting. It’s important to check the label to make sure the Unisom product you’re buying contains doxylamine, as many formulations of Unisom are sold as sleep aids.
Synergistic effect
When you take Unisom and vitamin B6 together, they can be highly effective for moderate morning sickness that hasn’t responded to at-home treatments.
Are Unisom and Vitamin B6 Safe for Pregnant People?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says that the combination of Unisom and vitamin B6 is a safe and effective way to treat morning sickness during pregnancy.
But it’s important to talk to your doctor before you take any medication during pregnancy. They can assess your health and help you decide if Unisom and vitamin B6 are right for you.
According to ACOG, neither Unisom nor vitamin B6 are known to harm a developing fetus, whether taken individually or together.
How to take Unisom and vitamin B6 during pregnancy
Before you start taking any medication during pregnancy, it’s always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider. However, if you’re looking for general guidelines on how to take Unisom and vitamin B6 for nausea, here’s what you should know.
Dosage and administration
In general, experts recommend taking 10 to 25 mg of vitamin B6 three times a day, every 6 to 8 hours. You can also take 10 mg of Unisom once before bed. Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines, and your individual needs may vary.
Timing and effectiveness
Doxylamine, the active ingredient in Unisom, starts working shortly after you take it. The prescription combination of doxylamine and vitamin B6 is an extended-release formulation, so it may take a bit longer to kick in. If you take it at night, you should start feeling the effects by morning.
Discontinuation
You can usually stop taking Unisom and vitamin B6 abruptly, without needing to taper off the medication. Most patients can discontinue the medications when they’ve been asymptomatic for more than a week and are beyond the first trimester. Again, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor before stopping any medication during pregnancy.
Other Morning Sickness Remedies
If the Unisom and B6 combo isn’t quite cutting it, or if you’re looking for other ways to manage your morning sickness, there are other options you can try.
Dietary Changes
One of the most common recommendations for managing morning sickness is to change your eating habits. Instead of eating three large meals a day, try eating smaller meals more frequently. This can help prevent your stomach from becoming too empty, which can trigger nausea.
Also, focus on bland, easily digestible foods like rice, bananas, and plain cereal. These are easy on the stomach and less likely to cause nausea.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Simple changes in your daily routine can also make a difference. Avoid lying down immediately after eating, as this can worsen nausea. Instead, try to stay upright for a while after meals.
Staying hydrated is also crucial. Sip fluids throughout the day, but try to drink them separately from your meals. This can help prevent your stomach from becoming too full.
Alternative Therapies
Some women find relief from morning sickness using alternative therapies. Ginger and peppermint are two popular options. You can try ginger tea, ginger candies, or peppermint essential oil to see if they help ease your nausea.
When to talk to your doctor
If you’re pregnant, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking any medication, including Unisom and vitamin B6.
You should seek medical advice right away if you experience any of the following:
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Inability to keep down fluids
- Signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination or dizziness
- Abdominal pain
It’s important to remember that morning sickness is different from hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that requires medical treatment.
The Bottom Line
If you’re dealing with moderate morning sickness, Unisom (doxylamine) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) can be safe and effective remedies, especially if your doctor or midwife recommends them.
Before you try Unisom and B6, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider. You can also explore other ways to get relief from nausea during pregnancy.