Please call the pharmacy to inquire about store hours or delivery service as they may have changed.
You’ve been basking in bliss ever since you found out you were pregnant, but now your joy is overshadowed by nausea and vomiting. You’re not alone!
Fifty to eighty percent of pregnant women suffer from some degree of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. While the queasiness may be unpleasant and bothersome, in most cases, it poses no risk to your unborn child.
The exact causes of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy remain unknown. Most experts believe that the physical changes in early pregnancy, such as the higher hormone levels, are more than likely related.
The symptoms of NVP include:
Contrary to popular belief, nausea and vomiting can occur any time of day, not just in the morning. NVP usually starts in the 6th week of pregnancy and for 80 percent of women, it will end in the 12th week. For other women, it may start sooner and end later.
NVP can have significant impact on a pregnant woman’s well-being. That is why it is best to discuss the issue with a healthcare provider.
In Canada, one percent of pregnant women suffer from an extreme form of nausea and vomiting known as hyperemesis gravidarium. Left untreated, this severe form of NVP can lead to weight loss and dehydration. This can harm the health and well-being of the baby. If you show signs of dehydration (infrequent urination or dark yellow urine), see your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Here are a few tips you may want to try before taking medication:
Over-the-counter drugs should generally be avoided during pregnancy, but there are safe, effective prescription medications that can help women with NVP.
The combination of doxylamine succinate (an antihistamine) and pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6) is the only medication approved in Canada for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Its safety and effectiveness is recognized by Health Canada and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. Studies have shown no harmful effects for the baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about this option!
Good to know!
Many women turn to so-called natural products believing them to be perfectly safe for their baby. The safety and effectiveness of such products has yet to be proven. In addition, few have been studied for their impact during pregnancy.
Important!
Before taking any over-the-counter drug or natural product during pregnancy, be sure to talk to a health professional, like your pharmacist.
Do you have questions on nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and its treatment? Speak with your family pharmacists for expert advice! They can give you tips on how to find relief or recommend a treatment. YYour pharmacist can also prescribe medication for certain minor health problems when required by your clinical situation including nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. This includes medication for NVP and prenatal vitamins. A consultation will be required so the pharmacist can make sure you meet the prescribing criteria.
To avail yourself of this service, you may need to book an appointment with your family pharmacist. Ask a member of the pharmacy team for more details. Some Uniprix-affiliated pharmacies also offer an online appointment booking service. To locate the store nearest you providing this service, click here.
[UNIPRIX] - The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subject matter or to replace the advice of a health professional. This information does not constitute medical consultation, diagnosis or opinion and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions about your health, medications or treatment.