According to a recent review of current medical literature, ginger appears to have properties that help pregnant women suffering from morning sickness.
In fact, in six studies that examined the effects of ginger in reducing nausea and vomiting in expecting mothers, ginger worked better than a placebo and just as well as vitamin B6, which has been shown to improve nausea and vomiting in some pregnant women. None of the women who took ginger in these studies had problems with their pregnancies.
As a result of many women avoiding drugs for morning sickness, out of fear of side effects on the unborn child, many are turning to alternative treatments. Some of these alternative treatments include vitamins, herbal products, homeopathic remedies and acupuncture. Among natural drugs, ginger has long been used to ease nausea, and there is some evidence that the botanical may relieve motion sickness and other types of queasiness.
In all of the studies that were reviewed, some reported side effects such as headache, diarrhea and drowsiness, but there were no differences in pregnancy outcomes between women taking placebo, vitamin B6 or ginger.
Researchers note that while ginger may be an effective treatment for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, these findings are still preliminary, and more studies are needed to confirm that ginger is truly safe for pregnant women.
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