Best pregnancy nausea remedies

Medically reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn

Written by Marygrace Taylor | Apr 12, 2023

BabyCenter selects products based on the research of our editors and the wisdom of parents in the BabyCenter Community. All prices and details are accurate at the time of publication. We may earn a commission from shopping links.

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Nearly 75 percent of women experience nausea during pregnancy, usually during the first trimester. But you don't have to suffer. There are many ways to relieve morning sickness, says Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, ob-gyn, whether it strikes you morning, noon, or night (or all three).

Dr. Minkin suggests women ask their midwife or obstetrician about vitamin B6, either in pill form or as an injection if morning sickness is a concern; this is known as a "first-line therapy" amongst ob-gyns. Of course, pregnant women should talk to their prenatal care provider before taking any new medication.

Some other classic remedies that are safe for pregnant women according to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG):

Ginger: The ACOG recommends ginger capsules, ginger capsules, ginger ale made with real ginger, and tea made with fresh-grated ginger for queasy stomachs.Eating first thing in the morning: Eat dry toast, crackers, or other bland, bready snacks before getting out of bed so you don't get nauseous moving around with an empty stomach.
Eating often: Pregnant women often find they're most nauseous when they're hungry. Snack at regular intervals or eat smaller and more frequent meals spread out throughout the day.
Protein: Adding protein to each meal or snack can help. It’s common for queasy pregnant women to have a natural aversion to meats, so consider nuts and nut butters, dairy, and protein powders/shakes, says the ACOG.
Bland foods: Whatever you can keep down, go with it, but the BRATT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, tea) is easy to digest.
Acupressure: Anecdotally, some women say that pressure to the P6 acupressure point (applied either with a "seasickness band" or by hand) has helped relieve their nausea. It's worth noting that there is no scientific evidence that this remedy works—but the ACOG says acupressure is safe to try if you'd like.

However you make it through this sometimes trying period, Dr. Minkin says that staying hydrated should be your first priority, especially during the summer months when you lose fluids more rapidly. If fluids are challenging to keep down, try popsicles, watermelon, cucumber, or citrus fruits that are naturally filled with water.

If you’re vomiting profusely to the point of dehydration, call your ob-gyn or other obstetric care provider. According to the ACOG, signs of dehydration to be concerned about include:

You are not able to urinate.
You pee a small amount of dark-colored urine.
Your heartbeat feels as if it's racing or pounding.
You feel faint or dizzy when you stand.
You can't drink liquids without vomiting.

A good rule of thumb is to contact your doctor if you can’t tolerate any liquid for 12 hours or any solids for 24 hours. Intravenous fluids and medications may be needed temporarily to keep you and your pregnancy healthy. Going forward, your doctors can prescribe many safe medications to help with nausea and vomiting.

If you are in the majority of women, however, who feel really queasy but aren’t throwing up excessively, you may want to try other remedies. In the meantime, you just want to feel better, right? And we’re here to help.

How we chose the best pregnancy nausea remedies

Keeping the criteria above in mind, we started by searching through thousands of posts in BabyCenter's Community, looking for the products moms-to-be say really help. Then we fed their recommendations to our expert editors for additional research and vetting. Read on to find the best pregnancy candies, the best magnesium lotion for pregnancy nausea, and more.

Why trust us?

BabyCenter's reviews are created based on parents' real-life experiences using products - experiences of editors and writers who are parents themselves, and also of the millions of parents and pregnant women who make up the BabyCenter Community. Our editorial team uses these insights, as well as feedback from the doctors and other experts on our Medical Advisory Board, to give you accurate and fact-based information, including the pros and cons of different products. That way, you can decide what's best for you and your family. Learn more

Best pregnancy nausea candy

Preggie Pop Drops

Photo credit: Amazon

Buying options:

$16 for 48 count	AmazonOpens a new window
$10 for 21 count	WalmartOpens a new window

The brand claims its "botanicals and essential oils" (which include ginger, citrus, lavender, and mint) relieve nausea, while critics say that Preggie Pop Drops are really just sour candies and green apple Jolly Ranchers work just as well. And yet there are legions of fans of these individually wrapped little drops, which come in four super-sour flavors per tin: lemon, green apple, raspberry, and tangerine. They taste good, and for some pregnant women, work.

Heads up

These are good for the in-the-moment waves of nausea but they don’t help prevent nausea and the effects don’t last long after the candy is gone.

Parents say

"All-time fave. Worked better than ginger drops and instantly curbed any and all nausea I had. They work wonders."

"They’re a little sour and make my tongue feel weird but it’s not unpleasant or bothersome! They’ve helped me so so much!"

"If I'm just a bit nauseous it really helps but if I'm borderline puking then it doesn’t prevent it."

Specs

48 individually wrapped drops
Four flavors: lemon, green apple, raspberry, tangerine

Best wrist band for pregnancy nausea

Psi Bands

Photo credit: Amazon

Buying options:

$13	AmazonOpens a new window
$16	WalmartOpens a new window

These adjustable, waterproof, and reusable bands use acupressure to provide drug-free relief from morning sickness. The bad news is that the only evidence these work is anecdotal; the good news is that there's no specific harm in trying them. They’re comfortable, adjustable, and waterproof, so you can go about your day without worry. Each set comes with two bands (one for each wrist), and are available in basic black and crystal clear, as well as pretty patterns. They're eligible for FSA and HSA healthcare account reimbursements, too.

Heads up

These are not great for long-term wear. Some users reported that it hurts their wrist after a few hours of wear, so you should take them on and off as you need them.

Parents say

"I ordered Psi Bands and within minutes of putting them on complete relief!!!!!!!! Today I felt so good I actually cleaned the house."

"Psi Bands have really helped with my nausea."

"Okay, my friend brought me Psi Bands today and I can tell a difference in how I feel! Like, I feel like a normal (tired) human again and can get off the couch!"

"Psi Bands saved me. Completely took my nausea away in minutes."

Specs

Bands fit up to a 7.5 inch wrist
Choose from eight different colors and patterns

Best morning sickness tea

Pink Stork Morning Sickness Ginger Orange Tea

Photo credit: Amazon

Buying options:

$13	WalmartOpens a new window
$12	Pink StorkOpens a new window

Herbal teas aren't regulated by the FDA, and some have been linked to pregnancy complications, so it's wise to check your choice by your healthcare provider and make sure ingredients are regarded as safe. If your doctor gives the go-ahead, this tea with caffeine-free rooibos, ginger, and natural peach flavoring is soothing, and many women claim it relieves their nausea.

Heads up

The flavor is not for everyone.

Parents say

"This tea was great. It tasted good and provided some relief."

"Pink Stork makes a morning sickness tea that works wonders."

Specs

15 sachets (makes 30 cups)
Contains rooibos leaves, ginger, and peach flavoring

Best nausea bracelet for pregnancy

Cease Sickness Anti Nausea Wristband

Photo credit: Amazon

Buying options:

$12	AmazonOpens a new window

If you’re looking for an anti-nausea wearable that won't scream "pregnant lady trying not to barf," this stylish and functional bracelet is it. Like other anti-nausea wristbands, there's no research showing it works, but it can't hurt to give this method a try, and many women insist it works for them, placebo effect or what have you. This band looks like a regular beaded bracelet, but there's a larger bead on one side made for you to comfortably press on a spot on your inner wrist when you start feeling nauseous. It comes in nine pretty options, including faux turquoise, rustic black "lava" stones, and translucent moonstone.

Heads up

These run on the small size, say users.

Specs

Bands fit up to a 7 inch wrist
Choose from nine different colors/finishes

Best lozenges for nausea

Traditional Medicinals Morning Ease Anti-Nausea Lozenges

Photo credit: Amazon

Buying options:

$12	AmazonOpens a new window
$13	WalgreensOpens a new window

Citrus and ginger are time-tested and safe remedies for nausea, and these organic lozenges are made with high-quality, pharmacopeia-grade herbs. The lozenges are non-GMO verified, and all the ingredients are certified organic. The candies are individually wrapped so you can keep some on you throughout the day (which fans say is crucial, because these work best to stave off impending nausea rather than combatting it when it's already taken hold).

Heads up

They all taste the same so you can get sick of the same flavor.

Specs

30 individually wrapped lozenges
Lemon-ginger flavor

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Best ginger candy for nausea

Pink Stork Morning Sickness Sweets

Photo credit: Amazon

Buying options:

$13	AmazonOpens a new window
$13	WalmartOpens a new window
$12	Pink StorkOpens a new window

Add to Amazon registryOpens a new window

These pregnancy-friendly organic candies are fortified with vitamin B6, which is a first-line therapy for treating pregnancy nausea, as Dr. Minkin tells us (you’ll want to note that it’s a supplement, so be sure to check with your doctor before eating these candies). Fans like the natural-tasting flavors, which include raspberry-ginger, mango-ginger, and peppermint, and that they're discreetly wrapped, so you can pop them in your pocket or your purse and take them on the go. They’re made in America without gluten, wheat, dairy, artificial sugars/sweeteners, soy, or genetically modified ingredients.

Heads up

Some complain that they had to eat multiple candies in order to feel any relief.

Parents say

"Ladies, I picked up Pink Stork Morning Sickness Sweets with B6 and boy, did it help, I ate dinner! Thanks again."

"I swear by Pink Stork Morning sickness sweets. You can get them on Amazon."

Specs

Comes with 30 individually wrapped candies
Choose from three flavors: raspberry-ginger, mango-ginger, and peppermint

Best pregnancy snack for nausea

Blue Diamond Almond Nut Thins

Photo credit: Amazon

Buying options:

$20 for a pack of 6	AmazonOpens a new window
$4	TargetOpens a new window
$3	WalmartOpens a new window

Eating frequently and reaching for protein-rich snacks may be the best way to stop morning sickness before it starts. These individually wrapped snacks are gluten-free, made from almonds, and contain 3 grams of protein, but you feel like you're eating a cracker! Keep them in your car and purse, and at your bedside.

Heads up

These crackers are a bit brittle and tend to break easily.

Parents say

"I found that eating plain foods and drinking lots of water helped. Also keeping these crackers by the bed and eating a few when I woke up and then waiting a few minutes before actually getting out of bed helped calm my stomach a bit."

Specs

3 grams of protein per serving

Best aromatherapy for nausea relief

Basic Vigor Stomach Soother Aromatherapy Inhaler

Photo credit: Amazon

Buying options:

$13 for a pack of 2

AmazonOpens a new window

Research on nausea and vomiting in pregnant women has only proven the efficacy of lemon as an anti-nausea agent, but there is some research to suggest that inhaled peppermint and ginger vapors soothe queasy stomachs, too, so if you’re dealing with occasional nausea, this is a great and convenient product to try. It's basically a little tube filled with a blend of essential oils: spearmint, peppermint, ginger, and lavender, to be exact. If you feel queasy, you open the tube and take a whiff. Sounds too easy to work, but many women find that the fresh scent can mask other odors that are making you uncomfortable, and can stave off sickness. The small tube is easy to carry with you, too.

Heads up

These are great for a quick fix as you feel the nausea come on. It’s not great to prevent nausea from happening.

Specs

Two-pack
Includes 4 essential oils: spearmint, peppermint, ginger, and lavender

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Our research

BabyCenter. March 2019. Morning sickness: Causes, concerns, and treatments. https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/your-body/morning-sickness_254 [Accessed November 2019]

BabyCenter. May 2019. How to stop morning sickness: Natural remedies, medicines, and foods to eat. Accessed November 2019]

BabyCenter. April 2019. Hyperemesis gravidarum (severe morning sickness). https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/your-body/hyperemesis-gravidarum-severe-morning-sickness_10376363 [Accessed November 2019]

Herrell. June 2014. Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy. American Family Physician. 2014 Jun 15;89(12):965-970. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0615/p965.html [Accessed November 2021]

AAP/ACOG. September 2017. Guidelines for Perinatal Care, Eighth Edition. https://www.acog.org/clinical-information/physician-faqs/-/media/3a22e153b67446a6b31fb051e469187c.ashx [Accessed November 2021]

ACOG. May 2020. American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/morning-sickness-nausea-and-vomiting-of-pregnancy [Accessed November 2021]

Babbar et al. July 2017. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Modern Obstetrics: A Survey of the Central Association of Obstetricians & Gynecologists Members. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary Alternative Medicine. 2017 Jul; 22(3): 429–435. [Accessed November 2021]

Fattah et al. October 2018. The Effect of Aromatherapy on Nausea and Vomiting during Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta -Analysis. International Journal of Pediatrics 2019; 7(3): 9061-70. https://iranjournals.nlai.ir/bitstream/handle/123456789/318288/A46BA92D0B9E3BD8C40C4EEA1BC2F668.pdf?sequence=-1 [Accessed November 2021]

Lua et al. June 2012. A Brief Review of Current Scientific Evidence Involving Aromatherapy Use for Nausea and Vomiting. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) 18(6):534-40. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/229073607_A_Brief_Review_of_Current_Scientific_Evidence_Involving_Aromatherapy_Use_for_Nausea_and_Vomiting [Accessed November 2021]