What is morning sickness?
Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, usually called morning sickness, affects most pregnant people. Despite the name, it can happen at any time of day. It usually starts around week 6 and eases by weeks 12 to 16.
Listed in Ontario’s minor ailments program as: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.
Common symptoms
- Feeling sick to your stomach, especially when your stomach is empty
- Vomiting
- Strong reactions to smells or certain foods
How a Kennedy pharmacist can help
Your pharmacist will ask how far along you are, how often you’re sick, whether you can keep food and fluids down, and about your other medications.
They may prescribe a medication that’s commonly used and well studied for nausea in pregnancy, and explain how to time the doses for the best effect. We’ll also share practical tips: small snacks every couple of hours, plain crackers before getting up, and sipping fluids between meals.
We’ll make sure your prenatal care provider is kept in the loop.
If we think you’d be better served by a doctor, we’ll tell you, and help you figure out where to go.
Medicines a pharmacist may consider
- Doxylamine and pyridoxine (Diclectin)the first-choice medication for nausea in pregnancy
- Dimenhydrinate (Gravol)sometimes added for breakthrough nausea
- Diphenhydramine or promethazineother options your pharmacist may consider
Your pharmacist chooses based on your symptoms, age, pregnancy, allergies and other medications, so not every option is right for everyone. Brand names are examples. We often use the generic version, which works the same and usually costs less.
What it costs
The assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. It’s paid for by the province, just like a visit to your doctor.
If you’re prescribed something, the medicine is paid for like any other prescription: through your drug plan, the Ontario Drug Benefit (65+ and other eligible people), OHIP+ (under 25 without a private plan), or out of pocket.
Good to know: The main medication for morning sickness is prescription-only, so it’s covered by most drug plans, and by ODB or OHIP+ if you’re eligible.
No Ontario health card? Text or call us first and we’ll tell you the fee before we start.
When to see a doctor instead
See your family doctor, a walk-in clinic or a nurse practitioner if:
- You’re losing weight
- Nausea started after week 10 of pregnancy for the first time
- You also have belly pain, fever, headache or diarrhea
- Treatment isn’t helping
Call 911 or go to the ER if:
- You can’t keep any fluids down for 24 hours
- You’re peeing very little, your pee is dark, or you feel dizzy or faint
- You’re vomiting blood
Not sure? Call Health811 (dial 811) any time to speak with a registered nurse, free.