Calming the Queasies

Prescription Medication

All of these drugs are classified as FDA pregnancy Category B, which means that animal studies have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus, but there are no adequate studies in pregnant women. Your doctor may suggest intravenous therapy for rehydration without the use of drugs, or:

• Phenergan (Promethazine) seems to be the drug prescribed most commonly by physicians. It comes in two forms; suppositories and pills. Side effects usually include drowsiness and it can become ineffective after extended use.
• Bendectin (Debendox in the UK) is a combination of doxylamine succinate and vitamin B6. The United States stopped marketing Bendectin, but it has become available in Canada under the name Diclectin.
• Reglan (Metaclopramide Hydrochloride) is traditionally prescribed for people with stomach problems, but it has been shown to be effective in treating nausea and vomiting in pregnancy as well.

Making it through the Work Day

No two ways about it: it's miserable to feel sick on the job. If you work outside the home, some of these suggestions might help you tolerate the commute and the nine-to-five grind.

• Plan out how you will get to work in the event you feel nauseated or dizzy. Both of these symptoms can affect your ability to drive. Maybe set up a car pool with someone in your office. If that's not an option, make sure to have Ziploc or garbage bags stowed in your car within reach, and keep a bottle of water with you at all times. Drive with a window open or the air conditioning on in hot weather.
• When you arrive at work, freshen up with a cool washcloth and brush your teeth, if that doesn't worsen your plight!
• Try deep breathing.

With any luck your morning sickness will pass quickly, leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy that special, healthy glow of pregnancy!