Alternative medicine

Various alternative remedies have been suggested for morning sickness, including:

• Acupressure. Acupressure wristbands are available without a prescription in most pharmacies. Studies on acupressure wristbands have had mixed results, but some women seem to find the wristbands helpful.
• Acupuncture. With acupuncture, a trained practitioner inserts hair-thin needles into your skin. Acupuncture isn't a proven way to treat morning sickness, but some women seem to find it helpful.
• Ginger. Herbal ginger supplements seem to alleviate morning sickness for some women. Most research suggests that ginger can be used safely during pregnancy, but there's some concern that ginger may affect fetal sex hormones.
• Hypnosis. Although there's little research on the topic, some women have found relief from morning sickness through hypnosis.
• Aromatherapy. Although there is also little research on the topic, certain scents, normally created using essential oils (aromatherapy), can help some women deal with morning sickness.

Some women might be tempted to try marijuana as a way to ease nausea if they live in a state where it's legal. However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists warns that pregnant women shouldn't use marijuana because the effects of the drug on mother and baby haven't been well-studied. Additionally, chronic marijuana use may result in a nausea and vomiting syndrome called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.

Check with your health care provider before using any herbal remedies or alternative treatments to relieve morning sickness.