Safe and effective morning sickness remedies include vitamin B6, doxylamine, Diclegis, ginger, and acupressure. Learn what’s backed by science, what to avoid, and how to start treatment without risking your pregnancy.
Diclegis Safety: What You Need to Know About This Pregnancy Nausea Treatment
When you're pregnant and fighting constant nausea, finding a safe, effective solution isn't just about comfort—it's about survival. Diclegis, a prescription medication approved specifically for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Also known as doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride, it's the only FDA-approved drug in the U.S. built just for this purpose, combining an antihistamine with vitamin B6 to target morning sickness at its source. Unlike random over-the-counter remedies or untested home tricks, Diclegis has been studied in thousands of pregnant women across decades, with no increased risk of birth defects or complications. That’s not just reassuring—it’s rare.
So what makes Diclegis different from other options? Doxylamine, the antihistamine component. Also known as Unisom SleepTabs, it’s been used safely in pregnancy since the 1950s, even before Diclegis existed as a branded product. Pyridoxine, the form of vitamin B6. Also known as vitamin B6, it helps regulate neurotransmitters involved in nausea control. Together, they work without crossing the placenta in harmful amounts, and they don’t cause drowsiness the way some other antihistamines do—unless you take too much. The key is sticking to the prescribed dose: one tablet at bedtime, then one in the morning and one at night if needed. Most women find relief within days.
Some people worry about long-term effects or whether Diclegis masks a deeper problem. But research from the MotherToBaby organization and the CDC shows no link to developmental delays, heart defects, or preterm birth. It doesn’t interfere with breastfeeding either. What it does do is give women back control—over their meals, their energy, their ability to work or care for other kids. When nausea is so bad you can’t keep water down, that’s not just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous. Diclegis isn’t a magic bullet, but for many, it’s the only thing that works without risking the baby’s health.
You’ll see posts below comparing it to other treatments like ginger, acupuncture, or even Zofran (ondansetron), which isn’t officially approved for pregnancy but is sometimes used off-label. We’ve also covered how to handle side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, or dizziness—common but usually mild. And if Diclegis doesn’t help after a week, what then? We’ve got guides on next steps, including when to talk to your OB about alternatives that still prioritize safety.
Bottom line: If you’re pregnant and struggling with nausea, Diclegis isn’t just an option—it’s one of the most thoroughly vetted tools you have. The data is solid. The track record is long. And the relief? Real.