Up to 85 percent of women experience at least some nausea during pregnancy, and for some women the symptoms are so severe they interfere with quality of life. The worst symptoms usually occur during the first trimester and doctors have long searched for effective ways to alleviate nausea without potentially harming the developing baby. Vitamin B-6 may lessen nausea in some pregnant women, and magnesium also holds promise for treating nausea.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6, also known as pyridoxine, is a B vitamin that helps regulate hormones and plays a role in nerve function. A study published in the September 1995 issue of the "American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology" reported that of the 342 women who participated in the study, those who received 30 mg of oral pyridoxine hydrochloride daily reported a significant decrease in the severity of their nausea.
Magnesium
While one sign of a magnesium deficiency is nausea and vomiting, no research supports a link between morning sickness and magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is important for the development of organs and bones, and your need for magnesium during pregnancy rises slightly. The U.S. Office of Dietary Supplements recommends a daily intake of 320 mg magnesium for pregnant women, as opposed to 300 mg for women who aren't pregnant. You should only take magnesium supplements on the advice of your doctor.
Magnesium and B-6
Vitamin B-6 does play a role in how your body absorbs magnesium. Adequate B-6 intake insures that your body absorbs enough magnesium. Low levels of B-6 could lead to your body not getting enough magnesium. So if you're taking B-6 for nausea, you're also aiding your body's ability to absorb magnesium from your diet, or for any supplements you take. Whole grains and leafy green vegetables are good sources of magnesium.
Other Remedies
In addition to B-6 supplements, you may find relief by eating smaller meals and avoiding fatty foods. Keep some soda crackers by the bed and eat a few before you get up in the morning. Some women find drinking ginger ale or ginger tea, or sucking on ginger candy helps relieve their symptoms. Consult your doctor if your nausea is severe, you're losing weight or failing to keep down any food or water.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Magnesium
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; Interventions for Nasea and Vomiting in Early Pregnancy; D. Jewell and G. Young; 2003
- "American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology"; Pyridoxine for Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy; T Vutyavanich, S. Wongtra-ngan and R. Ruangsri; September 1995
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Morning Sickness
