Ginger for Morning Sickness: What to Know

Feeling sick in early pregnancy is very common, and despite the name it can happen at any time of day. The NHS says it usually gets better by around 16 to 20 weeks, and that ordinary morning sickness does not put your baby at extra risk. Knowing that does not make a queasy morning any easier, though.

Ginger is one of the remedies people reach for most often, in cultures around the world. Unlike many home remedies, it has been tested in proper trials. This article explains what those trials found, why most experts suggest ginger as food rather than as a supplement, and why your midwife or doctor should always be part of the decision.

What the evidence says

The NHS says there is some evidence that ginger may help reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, and NCCIH agrees that research shows it may help. A systematic review published in the journal Women and Birth looked at four randomized controlled trials and found that ginger worked better than a placebo at easing nausea and reducing how often women vomited. Side effects were generally mild and uncommon.

The same review was clear about what is still unknown: the highest safe dose, how long it is safe to take, and how ginger may interact with medicines. Not every expert body is equally relaxed. Memorial Sloan Kettering, a major cancer center, advises against ginger supplements in pregnancy because of a lack of data on outcomes for the baby.

So the honest summary is this: ginger in ordinary food and drink amounts may help some people and is widely used, while concentrated supplements are a step you should take only with professional advice.

Food first, supplements only with advice

The NHS suggests trying foods or drinks that contain ginger, such as a mild homemade ginger tea. It also says to check with a pharmacist before taking ginger supplements while pregnant. NCCIH likewise advises talking to your health care provider before using ginger as a supplement in pregnancy.

That means a cup of homemade ginger tea is a reasonable first thing to try, while capsules, extracts and strong ginger shots are a conversation to have with your midwife, doctor or pharmacist first. Never take essential oils by mouth.

Other things that may help

Ginger works best alongside simple habits. The NHS suggests getting plenty of rest, since tiredness can make sickness worse, and avoiding the foods and smells that set you off. Small, frequent meals of plain, starchy food such as dry toast, crackers or rice may be easier than large meals, and cold food may be easier than hot food if cooking smells bother you.

Sip fluids little and often rather than drinking a lot at once. The NHS also says there is some evidence that putting pressure on your wrist, with your fingers or a special band, may help. If none of this is enough, your doctor can prescribe anti-sickness medicine that is safe in pregnancy.

Questions people ask

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Herbs can interact with medicines and health conditions. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before trying a herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, giving it to a child, or taking any medication.