Feeling queasy during pregnancy is super common, affecting about 70% of moms-to-be. Morning sickness can be tough—especially when it doesn’t stick to mornings!
Many pregnant women ask about using Dramamine to help with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Dramamine is generally considered safe for pregnant women to use, and the FDA has deemed it a low-risk medication during pregnancy.
There are even specific formulations that might work better for pregnancy-related nausea. Dramamine-N Multi-Purpose Formula contains ginger extract, which naturally helps relieve nausea.
Some doctors recommend specific dosages like Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) 50mg up to four times daily. Before taking any medication, have a quick chat with your healthcare provider.
Your doctor might suggest starting with Dramamine only as needed or recommend combining it with other safe options like the unisom+B6 combo (sometimes prescribed as Bonjesta). Every pregnancy is unique, and your doctor knows your specific health situation best.
Can You Take Dramamine While Pregnant?
Morning sickness and motion sickness can make pregnancy tough, but medication options do exist. The FDA classifies Dramamine as pregnancy category B, meaning it shows no significant risk in pregnant women.
What Is Dramamine?
Dramamine is an over-the-counter medication primarily used to treat motion sickness. Its active ingredient is dimenhydrinate, which works by blocking certain signals to your brain that trigger nausea and vomiting.
It’s essentially an antihistamine that affects your inner ear, where your body’s balance mechanisms are located. The medicine comes in different forms including tablets, chewables, and liquid.
Most people know it as that little pill that stops you from feeling queasy during travel. About 33% of people experience motion sickness regularly, making Dramamine a popular choice.
Pregnancy and Dramamine: What Science Says
Research indicates Dramamine is generally considered safe during pregnancy. While no medication can claim to be 100% risk-free during pregnancy, studies haven’t shown harmful effects on developing babies when used as directed.
Many pregnant women find relief from both morning sickness and motion sickness with Dramamine. The medication might even help those dealing with hyperemesis gravidarum (extreme morning sickness) when other treatments haven’t worked.
Some women report that Dramamine-N Multi-Purpose Formula, which contains ginger extract, works particularly well. Ginger has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for nausea.
FDA Guidelines on Dramamine Use in Pregnancy
The FDA places Dramamine in Pregnancy Category B. This means animal studies show no risks to fetuses, and there aren’t adequate human studies showing problems.
The standard dose is usually 50-100 mg every 4-6 hours, not exceeding 400 mg in 24 hours. Common side effects might include drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and dizziness.
These side effects can be more pronounced during pregnancy when your body is already going through so many changes. Many docs suggest taking it only when necessary rather than as a daily preventative.
Dramamine crosses the placenta, so your little one gets a tiny dose too. That’s why it’s crucial not to exceed recommended amounts.
Safety Considerations and Potential Risks
When taking Dramamine during pregnancy, it’s important to understand the potential risks and benefits. While studies suggest it can help with morning sickness, there are several side effects and safety concerns to keep in mind before use.
Common Side Effects for Pregnant Women
Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) can cause a range of side effects that might be particularly challenging during pregnancy. The most common ones include dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation—which can be especially problematic since many pregnant women already struggle with constipation.
Some women report feeling thirstier than usual or having trouble peeing. These side effects are typically mild and go away on their own, but they can be annoying when you’re already dealing with pregnancy discomforts.
We recommend starting with a lower dose if your doctor approves Dramamine use. This might help minimize these bothersome effects while still providing relief from nausea.
Possible Adverse Effects on Fetal Development
Dramamine is generally considered safe during pregnancy when used as directed. It’s classified as FDA Pregnancy Category B, meaning animal studies haven’t shown risks to fetuses, though human studies aren’t conclusive.
Some research points to potential concerns with heavy or long-term use of antihistamines like Dramamine. Always chat with your healthcare provider before taking Dramamine, especially during the first trimester when fetal organ development is happening.
They can help weigh the benefits of nausea relief against any possible risks to your baby.
Drowsiness, Dizziness, and Other Reactions
Dramamine can make you sleepy, and this drowsiness is actually its most notorious side effect. Unexpected drowsiness can be dangerous if you’re driving or operating machinery.
Dizziness and confusion may also occur. Some pregnant women report headaches or excitability.
In rare cases, more serious reactions like irregular heartbeat or dystonia (involuntary muscle movements) might happen. If you experience anything unusual, contact your doctor ASAP.
We suggest taking Dramamine when you can rest afterward to see how it affects you before attempting any activities requiring alertness.
Alternatives to Dramamine During Pregnancy
While Dramamine can be used during pregnancy, some women prefer different options for morning sickness or motion sickness. These alternatives range from over-the-counter combinations to prescription medications and natural remedies that might help manage nausea during those tough nine months.
Vitamin B6 and Unisom
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) paired with Unisom (doxylamine) is a common recommendation for pregnant women struggling with nausea. This combination is actually the active ingredients in Diclegis, the only FDA-approved medication specifically for morning sickness.
You can take B6 (25mg) three times daily, then add half a Unisom tablet at night. The B6 helps regulate certain neurotransmitters that may trigger nausea, while Unisom adds an antihistamine effect that calms the stomach.
Don’t expect instant results—give it at least 3-5 days of consistent use. Both ingredients have excellent safety profiles in pregnancy.
For stubborn morning sickness, you might gradually increase the Unisom to morning and night (always chat with your doctor first).
Prescription Medications: Zofran, Phenergan, Reglan
When over-the-counter options don’t cut it, prescription meds can help. Zofran (ondansetron) is a popular choice that blocks serotonin receptors that trigger vomiting.
It works quickly and comes in dissolving tablets. Phenergan (promethazine) is another option that many doctors prescribe, though it might make you quite sleepy.
Reglan (metoclopramide) works differently by speeding up stomach emptying. It’s particularly helpful if you’re dealing with both nausea and heartburn.
Occasionally, severe cases might need corticosteroids, but these are typically reserved for when nothing else works and you’re at risk for dehydration.
Non-Drug and Herbal Remedies
Ginger is the superstar of natural remedies. A recent Cochrane review found it helps about 85% of pregnant women with nausea.
Try ginger tea, candies, capsules (250mg four times daily), or even ginger ale if it has real ginger. Acupressure wristbands (like Sea-Bands) apply pressure to specific points that may relieve nausea.
They’re inexpensive, have zero side effects, and some people swear by them. Small, frequent meals can prevent an empty stomach, which often triggers nausea.
Skip greasy foods and strong smells that make you queasy. Peppermint tea and lemon water have helped many pregnant women.
The refreshing scents can counteract nausea triggers. Always chat with your doctor before trying herbal products.
How to Safely Manage Nausea and Motion Sickness in Pregnancy
Pregnancy can bring on waves of nausea that feel like being stuck on a rocky boat. Here are some practical tips to help you manage both morning sickness and motion sickness during this time.
Tips for Preventing Motion Sickness
To keep motion sickness at bay, try sitting in the front seat of the car (but never in place of a driver’s airbag). Fix your gaze on a distant point rather than looking at moving objects or reading.
Nibble on crackers or dry toast before getting up in the morning. Ginger has been helpful for many expectant moms—try ginger tea, candies, or even cookies.
When medication is necessary, the FDA has given Dramamine a thumbs-up for pregnancy use. Still, always talk to your doctor before taking any medication.
Dramamine-N with ginger extract is specifically formulated for nausea and pregnancy-safe.
Hydration and Preventing Dehydration
Water is essential during pregnancy. Aim for 8-10 glasses daily, but sip slowly throughout the day instead of gulping it down.
Some moms-to-be find room temperature drinks less triggering than very cold or hot ones. If plain water turns your stomach, try coconut water, pregnancy-safe herbal teas like peppermint or ginger, or ice chips.
Dehydration can actually make nausea worse. Warning signs include dark urine, dizziness, and dry mouth.
Don’t ignore these signals; they’re your body’s way of asking for help.
Monitoring Weight Loss and Electrolytes
If you’re dropping pounds due to nausea, it’s time to call your healthcare provider. Weight loss over 5% of your pre-pregnancy weight needs medical attention.
Your electrolytes need balance too. Low levels can make you feel unwell.
Your doctor might check for ketonuria—ketones in urine that signal your body is burning fat instead of getting enough calories. Try eating small, frequent meals that combine protein and complex carbs.
A slice of toast with a bit of peanut butter or yogurt with granola can help stabilize blood sugar. These combos can reduce nausea and protect your electrolyte balance.
Interactions, Overdose, and Special Circumstances
Taking Dramamine while pregnant requires careful consideration beyond just its safety profile. It’s important to know about potential interactions with other medications, what happens if you take too much, and special considerations for certain groups.
Potential Drug Interactions
Dramamine can interact with several other medications, which might be a problem if you’re taking multiple drugs during pregnancy. The drowsiness effect can become worse when combined with other medications that make you sleepy.
This includes other antihistamines, sleeping pills, anxiety medications, some pain medications, and muscle relaxants. Alcohol is a big no-no while taking Dramamine, pregnant or not.
The combo can make you super drowsy and impair your coordination. Some people who take certain antidepressants with Dramamine experience increased side effects.
Always give your doctor the full list of medications you’re taking—even vitamins and supplements count.
Rare but Serious Risks: Overdose
Taking too much Dramamine can be dangerous. An overdose might cause extreme drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, unsteady walking, dilated pupils, dry mouth, and fast heartbeat.
In pregnant women, overdose concerns are doubled—there’s you AND baby to worry about. If you suspect an overdose, it’s an emergency situation.
Call poison control (1-800-222-1222) or 911 immediately if you’ve taken more than the recommended dose. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear or worsen.
Considerations for Breastfeeding and Children
Dramamine can pass into breast milk in small amounts. It might cause drowsiness in your nursing baby.
We generally recommend using the lowest effective dose if you need to take it while breastfeeding.
For children, Dramamine is generally not recommended under age 2. Even for older kids, dosing is weight-based and should be carefully calculated.
Children may be more sensitive to side effects, especially drowsiness and excitability. If you’re pregnant now but planning ahead, chat with your pediatrician about motion sickness options for your little one after they arrive.