Those with motion sickness and have travelled/are going to travel...

Lindsay808 · November 2013

Hey ladies!!

So I typically get a little queasy in the car when I'm not pregnant. Basically, I just can't read and move around a lot. I do not get the plane queasies (usually).

Since I've been pregnant, I can't be in the car longer than 20 minutes without being so miserable. God forbid we ever hit traffic.

We are flying to Portland (5 hours) for Thanksgiving to spend with DH's family. As the days go by, I'm a little nervous to get on the plane and end up being miserable the whole time since now my motion sickness has intensified.

Basically, what I'm asking is - those with pregnancy motion sickness and have happened to go on a plane, how was it when you flew? Any medication suggestions or tips?

pbandjmom · November 2013

Maybe make sure to close your window shade immediately after takeoff?

newter135 · November 2013

I get horrible motion sickness in the car both before pregnancy and especially more so now. I don't get plane queasiness typically and flew to Vegas when I was 15 weeks (about 5.5 hours) and did not get motion sickness but also made sure to keep a number of snacks on hand (popcorn, apple, granola bars etc) as well as water. The bigger issue was my feet swelled from being in the air so it had to walk the aisle a few times on my return flight to keep that in check. Hope that helps!!

snmetz7 · November 2013

They have motion sickness bracelets that you can get at a drug store. I use them when we go boating it helps.

Rachnan · November 2013

I have done a road trip and several flights since getting pregnant and Dramamine seemed to do the trick each time. My doc said its safe to take. Like PP said, make sure to hydrate and move around every hour or two and you'll be just fine!

Avion22 · November 2013

sandbridge1030 said:

Maybe make sure to close your window shade immediately after takeoff?

I would definitely NOT do this. The best thing you can do to counteract the effects of motion sickness is to try to get all of your senses on the same page about the motion. The best way to do this is to LOOK OUTSIDE. Specifically, focus on a spot way out in the distance that isn't moving.

Your body gets really confused when your inner ear (which is super-sensitive) senses motion that the rest of your senses don't pick up on. This is why reading in the car sucks. Your eyes are focused on something in the car that isn't moving (relative to you), instead of looking outside. When you see the outside world move relative to you (like bounce up and down) and it matches up with what your inner ear is telling you, then everything is happy.

I've also found that it REALLY helps to be able to cool your body down, so I would suggest wearing layers, and possibly dabbing some cool water on your neck and the inside of your wrists (then turning on the overhead blower thingy so the evaporation cools you off even more). Take deep breaths, maybe listen to calming music. Have a puke-bag handy JUST IN CASE (it's only when I don't have a puke bag that I really feel like I need to use one).

ModishMom · November 2013

Take Dramamine. My OB told me last pregnancy that I could take it every day of a cruise during my first trimester. It was great and both the baby and I were fine. Save yourself from remedies that may work and take the one that definitely will help.

Serenla · November 2013

These things saved my life when I was flying in the first tri.

https://www.amazon.com/Tummydrops-Ginger-individually-wrapped-drops/dp/B004BH15K2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384706013&sr=8-1&keywords=ginger+tummy+drops

I still use them when the MS shows up.

JNova78 · November 2013

My doctor said Dramamine is okay (you only need to take one - it's a 24 hour dose). Definitely check with your doc though!

Lindsay808 · November 2013

Thanks ladies! Looks like I will definitely ask dr. about dramamine and pick some up. Also definitely going to get some ginger drops, wear layers, and have snacks!

I've never been so nervous to fly before!

pannk · November 2013

I used sea bands and tried to constantly snack. I also tried to sleep most of the time so I wouldn't be awake and sick.

I always sit next to the window so I can look out. It helps immensely!!!

And have a baggie nearby just in case

pbandjmom · November 2013

Avion22 said:

sandbridge1030 said:

Maybe make sure to close your window shade immediately after takeoff?

I would definitely NOT do this. The best thing you can do to counteract the effects of motion sickness is to try to get all of your senses on the same page about the motion. The best way to do this is to LOOK OUTSIDE. Specifically, focus on a spot way out in the distance that isn't moving.

Your body gets really confused when your inner ear (which is super-sensitive) senses motion that the rest of your senses don't pick up on. This is why reading in the car sucks. Your eyes are focused on something in the car that isn't moving (relative to you), instead of looking outside. When you see the outside world move relative to you (like bounce up and down) and it matches up with what your inner ear is telling you, then everything is happy.

I've also found that it REALLY helps to be able to cool your body down, so I would suggest wearing layers, and possibly dabbing some cool water on your neck and the inside of your wrists (then turning on the overhead blower thingy so the evaporation cools you off even more). Take deep breaths, maybe listen to calming music. Have a puke-bag handy JUST IN CASE (it's only when I don't have a puke bag that I really feel like I need to use one).

Not seeing outside works for me - just giving an opinion!

Linnea503 · November 2013

Dramamine for sure. I get bad motion sickness, pregnant or not. I did one flight pregnant and took Dramamine and was fine, and one flight without taking it and it was absolutely horrible. Make sure to take your own food too. Good luck!

meetmow · November 2013

I flew to Italy at 8 weeks pregnant with my first. My doctor suggested Unisom (which I was already taking for my morning sickness). She suggested a full tablet a little before take-off. I felt fantastic! I second taking your own snacks and staying hydrated. Good luck!

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