Does ginger help with morning sickness?

Research suggests ginger can help ease nausea in early pregnancy,† though the evidence base is small and ginger has not been shown to change how often vomiting occurs. A 2014 systematic review of 12 randomized trials found that ginger improved nausea symptoms compared with placebo. Ginger is one of the most studied options for occasional pregnancy nausea, which makes it a reasonable topic to raise with your provider.

What does the research say about ginger and pregnancy nausea?

The review in Nutrition Journal pooled 12 randomized trials involving 1,278 pregnant women. Ginger improved nausea symptoms compared with placebo, while the difference in vomiting episodes was not statistically significant. The authors also noted that the number of studies was limited, outcome reporting varied, and the quality of the evidence was low.

The review did not find a significant risk of side effects such as heartburn or drowsiness. That finding is encouraging, but it does not replace your provider's guidance on your own situation.

One of the best-known individual studies, published in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2004, followed 291 pregnant women for three weeks. Women took either ginger or vitamin B6, and the two groups improved to a similar degree in nausea, retching, and vomiting. The authors called for firmer evidence on the safety of ginger in pregnancy. For a closer look at that comparison, see our comparison of ginger and vitamin B6 for pregnancy nausea.

What forms of ginger do pregnant women use?

Ginger is available as fresh root, tea, capsules, and lozenges. The studies above tested orally administered ginger in a range of formats, and none were conducted on Pink Stork products, so their results do not predict how a particular lozenge will work for you.

Some women prefer a format that fits in a bag, car, or desk drawer. our organic ginger and vitamin B6 nausea lozenges are formulated with real ginger or peppermint oil plus vitamin B6 to help ease occasional nausea and morning sickness.† They are USDA Organic, third-party tested, and individually wrapped for discreet use.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while managing a medical condition.

When does morning sickness start, and how long does it last?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says nausea and vomiting of pregnancy usually starts before 9 weeks of pregnancy and goes away by 14 weeks for most women. For some women it lasts several weeks or months, and for a few it continues through the pregnancy.

It can also occur at any time of day, which is why many women call it all-day sickness. If your nausea lasts past the morning, read why morning sickness lasts all day for more on what to expect.

Where does vitamin B6 fit in?

Vitamin B6 is the other well-studied nutrient for pregnancy nausea. The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements notes that ACOG recommends vitamin B6 supplements under a doctor's care for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It also explains that daily upper limits count vitamin B6 from food, drinks, and supplements combined. This is general guidance about vitamin B6, not a statement about any Pink Stork product.

Because B6 adds up across products, review every supplement you take with your provider. Pink Stork's Total Prenatal, formulated for first-trimester sensitivity, includes vitamin B6 as pyridoxal-5-phosphate, which supports healthy fetal brain development and helps maintain a steady mood during pregnancy.† It also uses ScentCert technology designed to reduce scent-triggered nausea during pregnancy.† Total Prenatal is third-party tested at ISO 17025 accredited labs and available at Target, Walmart, and CVS.

How can you build a morning sickness routine?

Start with your provider, then choose options that fit your day. ACOG notes that hormonal changes can heighten your sense of smell, so flavor and scent preferences matter more than usual. Nausea Sweets, available in peppermint, ginger mango, and ginger raspberry, give you three flavors to try.†

You can browse more options in our prenatal and pregnancy support collection.

When should you call your provider about nausea?

Talk with your provider if nausea and vomiting affects your daily life or worries you. Call if you cannot keep fluids down, are vomiting several times a day, are not eating, or are losing weight, because vomiting can cause fluid loss and dehydration. Cleveland Clinic gives the same guidance.

"One of the challenges in pregnancy is building that trust… and feeling heard."

— Dr. Tosin Odunsi, MD, MPH, FACOG, Obstetrics and Gynecology Physician

It helps to arrive with your questions ready. Our list of 10 questions to ask your OB about morning sickness is a good place to start.

"I know how long a day feels when nausea will not let up. If you are in that season, be gentle with yourself, lean on your village, and let your provider walk with you. You do not have to carry it alone."

— Amy Suzanne Upchurch, Founder and CEO of Pink Stork

Pink Stork is woman-founded and woman-led, and our products have earned more than 50,000 verified Amazon reviews across the brand. If you want a discreet option, consider real ginger or peppermint and vitamin B6 to ease occasional nausea, morning sickness, and motion sickness.†

Frequently asked questions

Is ginger safe during pregnancy?

The 2014 systematic review did not find a significant risk of side effects such as heartburn or drowsiness, but its authors noted that the evidence is limited. Ask your provider before using ginger in any form during pregnancy.

Does ginger help with vomiting or only nausea?

In the 2014 review, ginger improved nausea symptoms compared with placebo, but the difference in vomiting episodes was not statistically significant.

When does morning sickness usually start and end?

ACOG says it usually starts before 9 weeks of pregnancy and goes away by 14 weeks for most women. It lasts longer for some.

Is ginger or vitamin B6 better for pregnancy nausea?

In a 2004 randomized trial, the two performed to a similar degree. Your provider can help you choose, and total vitamin B6 matters because it counts from all sources.

Can I use ginger lozenges with a prenatal vitamin?

Ask your provider whether that combination makes sense for you, since both can contain vitamin B6. They can review your total intake from all sources.

When should I call my provider about nausea?

Call if you cannot keep fluids down, are vomiting several times a day, are not eating, or are losing weight. Also call if nausea affects your daily life or worries you.

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while managing a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.