March 29, 2004

WASHINGTON, DC (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) -- Ginger is just as effective as vitamin B6 in reducing nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy, according to new research in the April issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology. The research shows that there are few side effects from taking ginger and that it appears to be safe for both pregnant women and fetuses.

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms in the first trimester, affecting 50-80% of pregnant women. Vitamin B6 is typically used as the first-line treatment. Earlier studies have suggested that ginger is helpful in reducing nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

Australian researchers conducted a small randomized, controlled study of pregnant women in which half took one soft gel capsule of ginger (350 mg) three times a day for three weeks and the other half took one capsule of Vitamin B6 (25 mg) three times a day for three weeks. All of the women were between 8 and 16 weeks pregnant and had nausea and/or vomiting symptoms.

The researchers found that 53% of the women taking ginger reported an improvement in their nausea and vomiting symptoms compared to 55% of women taking vitamin B6. The study showed that the overall risk of pregnancy complications did not differ between the two groups, and no difference was found for birth outcomes.