Combination therapy of vitamin B6 and Unisom may help reduce nausea associated with morning sickness during the first trimester, along with other preventive measures.
Morning sickness can be an unpleasant side effect of pregnancy. Despite the name, the nausea and vomiting aren’t limited to just the morning.
It can happen at any time of the day or night, and a huge majority of pregnant people will have to deal with it at some point.
Some doctors recommend taking a combination of Unisom and vitamin B6 as a home remedy for morning sickness during pregnancy. Here’s the scoop on whether it’s worth trying.
Studies have found that morning sickness, defined as nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, will affect around 70% percent of all pregnant people.
Morning sickness can be one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. It typically begins between weeks 4 and 7 of pregnancy and is caused by rising hormones.
For many, morning sickness seems to stop around weeks 16 to 20, but for others, it continues for much longer. That can mean weeks upon weeks of daily vomiting and nausea.
So, what are your options?
Some treatments and supplements may help when you’re feeling nauseated and you just don’t have time to rest. Morning sickness can take a toll on family and work time, and sometimes soda crackers and other non-medication remedies just aren’t cutting it.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has recommended a combination therapy of vitamin B6 and doxylamine, which is sold over the counter as Unisom SleepTabs, for treating morning sickness in the first trimester.
According to ACOG, you should try vitamin B6 on its own first, before trying combination therapy. You can add doxylamine if vitamin B6 alone doesn’t relieve symptoms.
Taking vitamin B6 can be an
If vitamin B6 hasn’t worked, combination therapy may help to alleviate symptoms. Studies have found that taking vitamin B6 and Unisom in combination can help to
You should take
Other dosing recommendations vary depending on personal circumstances and morning sickness symptoms. Consider speaking with a doctor or a birthing professional (like a midwife) before taking any medications.
It’s also important to note that in Unisom SleepGels and some other Unisom formulations, the active ingredient is diphenhydramine (not doxylamine). So double-check the active ingredients to be sure you’re getting the right kind.
Side effects
Side effects of taking vitamin B6 and Unisom can include:
- dry mouth
- headache
- nervousness
- constipation
- diarrhea
- rash
- stomach pain
- drowsiness
You should speak with a doctor or a birthing professional if these side effects don’t go away or become severe.
Some side effects can indicate a serious problem. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking vitamin B6 and Unisom and seek medical support immediately:
- blurred vision, dilated pupils, or other vision problems
- dysuria (painful urination)
- erratic or fast heartbeat
- confusion
- shortness of breath
- seizures
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved one medication for morning sickness called Diclegis. It may be recommended if you’ve tried non-medication treatments and they haven’t worked.
Diclegis may be covered by your insurance, and you may find it easier to take just 1 type of medication instead of combining vitamin B6 with other medications for morning sickness relief.
The drug has been studied extensively in pregnant people, and it has the highest safety rating available. This means it poses no additional risk to your baby when you take it during your pregnancy.
The delayed-release formulation means you’ll typically feel better about 5 to 7 hours after taking the drug. Taking it before bed at night can help control your symptoms of morning sickness when you get up the next day.
It can also mean that signs of accidental overdose would be delayed. It’s important to speak with a doctor about the right way to take any medication, especially Diclegis, during pregnancy.
Drowsiness is the most common side effect of this medication.
To try and keep your morning sickness to a minimum or to do what you can to feel better when morning sickness strikes, the
- eating small meals regularly instead of three large ones
- not lying down right after a meal
- sipping fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated
- eating ice chips to stay hydrated
- nibbling dry toast, saltines, or dry cereal before getting out of bed first thing in the morning
- eating bland and easily digested foods like rice, bananas, or cereal
- avoiding smells that upset your stomach
If your morning sickness is impacting your daily life and you’re finding no relief no matter what you try, you may be experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum.
Symptoms of this condition include:
- severe nausea
- weight loss
- vomiting
- dehydration
- disruption to your electrolyte balance
You can treat mild cases of hyperemesis gravidarum with changes to your diet, additional rest, and medications like antacids.
More severe cases, though, may require a stay in the hospital. This is to ensure that you’re getting adequate fluid and nutrition through an IV.
If you’re concerned about the severity of your morning sickness, be sure to speak with a doctor or a birthing professional immediately. You should also speak with them if you’re experiencing any of the following:
- nausea and vomiting so severe you can’t keep down food or water
- pain and fever along with vomiting
- nausea and vomiting that continue past the first trimester
Is it safe to take Unisom every night when pregnant?
While the FDA has approved Unisom, it is not considered safe to take every night when pregnant.
How many mg of B6 should I take with Unisom?
It is suggested that 10 to 25 mg of vitamin B6 be taken three times a day, every 6 to 8 hours, followed by 10 mg of Unisom once before bed. However, the exact dosage can depend on your medical circumstances. A doctor can help identify the correct dosage for you.
Can you buy Unisom and B6 over-the-counter?
You can buy both Unisom and B6 over-the-counter. While Unisom can easily be purchased from pharmacies, vitamin B6 may prove harder to find.
Morning sickness can be an unpleasant side effect of pregnancy. Despite the name, it can occur at any time of day.
Studies have found that the combination therapy of vitamin B6 and Unisom may help to manage and alleviate symptoms of vomiting and nausea during pregnancy.
Like with all medications, vitamin B6 and Unisom can result in side effects, such as drowsiness and abdominal pain. It is important to speak with a doctor if they become severe or are not going away.
