Treating Morning Sickness with Unisom and Vitamin B6

Using vitamin B6 together with Unisom could help lessen nausea tied to morning sickness in the first trimester, alongside other preventive strategies.

Morning sickness is a common and often unpleasant aspect of pregnancy. Despite its label, the queasiness and vomiting aren’t confined to just mornings.

They can occur at any hour of the day or night, and a large proportion of pregnant individuals will experience it at some stage.

Some clinicians suggest trying a combination of Unisom and vitamin B6 as a home remedy for pregnancy-related nausea. Here’s what you should know about whether it’s worth a try.

What is morning sickness and who’s affected?

Research shows that morning sickness — defined as nausea and vomiting during pregnancy — affects about 70% of pregnant people.

Morning sickness can be one of the earliest indicators of pregnancy. It usually starts between weeks 4 and 7 and is triggered by rising hormone levels.

For many, symptoms ease by around weeks 16 to 20, but for others they persist much longer, meaning many weeks of ongoing nausea and vomiting.

So, what are the options for relief?

Vitamin B6 and Unisom for morning sickness

When nausea strikes and rest isn’t possible, certain remedies and supplements can offer help. Morning sickness can disrupt family life and work, and plain crackers or other simple measures sometimes aren’t sufficient.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends combining vitamin B6 with doxylamine — the active ingredient in Unisom SleepTabs — for treating morning sickness in the first trimester.

ACOG advises trying vitamin B6 by itself first, and then adding doxylamine if B6 alone doesn’t provide relief.

Vitamin B6 can be an effective option for easing nausea, though it may be less effective at reducing actual vomiting.

If vitamin B6 alone isn’t sufficient, the combination may reduce symptoms. Studies indicate that taking vitamin B6 with Unisom can effectively manage and decrease vomiting and nausea during pregnancy.

Typical recommendations are to take 10 to 25 milligrams (mg) of vitamin B6 three times daily, every 6 to 8 hours, followed by 12.5mg to 25mg of Unisom SleepTabs once at bedtime.

Dosing can vary based on individual needs and the severity of symptoms, so consult a physician or a birth professional (such as a midwife) before starting any medication.

Also note that some Unisom products, like Unisom SleepGels, contain diphenhydramine rather than doxylamine. Check active ingredients to ensure you’re selecting the correct formulation.

Side effects

Possible side effects when taking vitamin B6 and Unisom include:

• dry mouth
• headache
• nervousness
• constipation
• diarrhea
• skin rash
• stomach discomfort
• drowsiness

Talk to a doctor or birthing professional if these effects persist or worsen.

Certain symptoms could indicate a serious reaction. Stop taking vitamin B6 and Unisom and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• blurred vision, enlarged pupils, or other vision changes
• painful urination (dysuria)
• irregular or rapid heartbeat
• confusion
• shortness of breath
• seizures

Prescription medication for morning sickness

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved one prescription medication for morning sickness called Diclegis. It may be suggested if non-drug approaches haven’t provided relief.

Diclegis might be covered by insurance, and taking a single prescribed medication can be more convenient than combining vitamin B6 with other treatments.

This drug has been widely studied in pregnant people and carries the highest safety classification, meaning it doesn’t add known risk to the fetus when taken during pregnancy.

Because of its delayed-release design, you’ll usually notice improvement about 5 to 7 hours after dosing. Taking it at night can help control morning symptoms the next day.

The delayed-release effect also means signs of an accidental overdose could be postponed, so discuss proper usage of Diclegis with your clinician.

Drowsiness is the most commonly reported side effect.

Morning sickness do’s and don’ts

The Office on Women’s Health suggests the following to help reduce morning sickness or cope when it arises:

• eat small, frequent meals rather than three big ones
• avoid lying down immediately after eating
• sip fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated
• suck on ice chips to maintain hydration
• try dry toast, saltines, or dry cereal before getting out of bed in the morning
• choose bland, easy-to-digest foods such as rice, bananas, or cereal
• steer clear of odors that trigger your nausea

When does morning sickness become dangerous?

If morning sickness is disrupting your daily functioning and nothing seems to help, you may have hyperemesis gravidarum.

Symptoms of this more severe condition include:

• intense nausea
• weight loss
• frequent vomiting
• dehydration
• electrolyte imbalances

Mild hyperemesis gravidarum can sometimes be managed with dietary changes, extra rest, and medications like antacids.

More serious cases may necessitate hospitalization to ensure adequate fluids and nutrition via IV.

If you’re worried about how severe your morning sickness is, contact a doctor or birth professional right away. Also seek care if you have any of the following:

• nausea and vomiting so severe you can’t keep down food or liquids
• vomiting accompanied by pain or fever
• nausea and vomiting that persist beyond the first trimester

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to take Unisom every night when pregnant?

Although Unisom is available over the counter, it isn’t generally recommended for nightly use throughout pregnancy.

How many mg of B6 should I take with Unisom?

Guidance suggests 10 to 25 mg of vitamin B6 three times daily, every 6 to 8 hours, plus about 10 mg of Unisom at bedtime. Exact dosing depends on your medical situation, so consult a physician to determine the right amounts for you.

Can you buy Unisom and B6 over-the-counter?

Both Unisom and vitamin B6 are available without a prescription. Unisom is commonly stocked at pharmacies, while vitamin B6 supplements may be less readily available in some stores.

Takeaway

Morning sickness is a frequent and unpleasant side effect of pregnancy that can happen at any time of day.

Research suggests the combination of vitamin B6 and Unisom can help reduce and manage nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

As with any medication, vitamin B6 and Unisom can cause adverse effects such as drowsiness and abdominal discomfort. Consult a healthcare provider if side effects are severe or persistent.