The Motherisk Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy (NVP) Forum

Motherisk receives questions from around the world about morning sickness symptoms, effects, treatments and ways to cope. Those questions and answers are posted here for anyone to read, provided the reader acknowledges and accepts the proviso and disclaimer below.

Forum > Coping: Alternative strategies and devices

Peppermint candy and B6

NVP Counsellor
Date: 2007-03-23

Question:
My husband and I are trying to conceive our first child but I have fears about NVP. Currently if I am nauseous (not pregnant) I find it helpful to eat a peppermint candy or gum. I read somewhere that peppermint could be harmful to the baby. Is that true? Also if I chew peppermint sugarless gum with aspartame in it, is that harmful? I was considering starting to take B6 on top of my prenatal vitamin that contains 10 mg of it. Would that be a good idea before I'm pregnant, considering my fears, or am I being ridiculous?Thanks...

Answer:

Your first questions should be addressed by calling our general Motherisk line (416 813-6780) where we discuss the safety of exposures to the fetus during pregnancy.

Your last question: Around 70-80% of all women suffer from NVP and there are safe and effective treatments available, vitamin B6 among them. However, there have been no controlled studies examining the effect of taking vitamin B6 prior to becoming pregnant,to stop NVP from ocurring.

Our Helplines

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Resources

Current Studies at Motherisk

The Motherisk Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy (NVP) Forum

PREGNANCY & BREASTFEEDING

ABOUT MOTHERISK

OTHER MOTHERISK RESOURCES