Preggie pops and drops are a popular way for pregnant women to alleviate the nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness. But like with any supplement or medication during pregnancy, it’s important to be mindful of how much you are consuming to avoid potential side effects or harm.
Quick Answers
The recommended dosage for Preggie pops or drops is:
- 1 lozenge or 15 drops every 2 hours as needed
- Do not exceed 8 lozenges or 120 drops (16 doses) per day
Always follow the dosage instructions on the specific Preggie pops or drops product you are using. Check with your doctor if you have any concerns about taking Preggie drops during pregnancy.
Are Preggie Drops Safe During Pregnancy?
Preggie pops and drops contain a combination of vitamin B6 and doxylamine, which are safe and effective ingredients for treating nausea and vomiting during pregnancy when taken as directed. Vitamin B6 and doxylamine have been extensively studied and are considered category A medications, meaning they are not expected to cause harm to a developing fetus when used appropriately.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) endorses both vitamin B6 and doxylamine as first-line treatment options for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Many prenatal vitamins contain vitamin B6 for this reason. Doxylamine has been used to treat morning sickness since the 1950s and is sold under brands such as Unisom and Diclegis.
Ingredients in Preggie Drops
Each ingredient in Preggie drops has an important role in easing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy:
- Vitamin B6 – Helps prevent nausea triggers and vomiting
- Doxylamine succinate – Antihistamine that blocks nausea signals to the brain
- Ginger – Soothes the stomach and gut
- Peppermint oil – Relieves indigestion and stomach upset
- Vitamin B12 – Provides extra nausea relief
This combination works together to safely and effectively relieve multiple facets of pregnancy-related nausea. The drops can be taken directly by mouth or mixed into water or other beverages.
What is the Recommended Dosage for Preggie Drops?
It’s important not to exceed the recommended dosage for Preggie drops. Follow these guidelines for Preggie pops and drops from the manufacturer:
- Take 1 lozenge or 15 drops every 2 hours as needed for nausea and vomiting
- Do not take more than 8 lozenges or 120 drops (16 doses) per day
- Use for a maximum of 14 days to treat morning sickness
This dosing provides an optimal amount of vitamin B6 and doxylamine to relieve nausea without causing drowsiness or other side effects. It’s best to take the drops with food and lots of fluids.
Always consult the label instructions for the specific Preggie product you have, as formulations may vary. Let your doctor know you are taking Preggie drops and follow their advice on appropriate use.
Can I Take More Preggie Drops if Needed?
It’s not recommended to exceed the labeled dosage on Preggie drop containers. Taking more than the recommended amount of vitamin B6, doxylamine, ginger, or peppermint oil could potentially lead to side effects like:
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea
Very high doses of vitamin B6 above the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) of 100 mg per day have been associated with nerve damage, although this is very rare. It’s best to stick to the recommended dosing of Preggie drops.
If your nausea and vomiting are not adequately relieved by the maximum dosage of Preggie drops, talk to your doctor about alternative medications or treatments to help you manage morning sickness symptoms.
When Should I Take Preggie Drops?
The best time to take Preggie drops is at the very first sign of nausea. This helps prevent vomiting episodes before they start. Try taking Preggie drops:
- When you first wake up, if morning sickness is a problem
- Before eating meals or snacks
- Before triggers like traveling or smells that bother you
- Every 2 hours as needed for nausea symptoms
You can continue taking Preggie drops as long as you are experiencing nausea and vomiting during your pregnancy. Most women only require the drops during the first trimester when morning sickness is usually worst.
Tips for Taking Preggie Drops
Here are some tips for taking Preggie drops safely and effectively:
- Always follow dosage directions and don’t exceed the maximum daily amount
- Suck on pops slowly to help relieve nausea
- Mix drops into 4-8 oz of water, juice, or a smoothie
- Set a timer or reminder on your phone to take another dose every 2 hours
- Keep pops or bottle of drops with you at home, work, in your purse, etc.
- Take on an empty stomach or with bland foods like crackers if you can tolerate it
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Preggie drops
Are There Risks of Taking Preggie Drops?
When taken as directed, Preggie drops are considered very safe during pregnancy. There are few risks, but potential side effects can include:
- Drowsiness – Doxylamine can cause drowsiness in some women, especially with the first few doses. This usually improves within a few days.
- Headaches – Headaches may sometimes occur as a side effect of vitamin B6.
- Dry mouth – Antihistamines like doxylamine can reduce saliva production, leading to dry mouth.
- Digestive upset – Ginger may cause mild diarrhea, heartburn, or stomach discomfort in some women.
These side effects are generally mild. Let your doctor know if any symptoms persist or become bothersome when taking Preggie drops.
There are a few cases in which you’ll want to exercise particular caution with Preggie drops:
- If you have a vitamin B6 deficiency or sensitivity
- If you have G6PD deficiency which can affect vitamin B6 tolerance
- If you have a history of reactions to antihistamines like doxylamine
- If you have thyroid problems, as doxylamine could aggravate symptoms
Talk to your OBGYN before taking Preggie drops if any of these situations apply to you.
Do Preggie Drops Have Side Effects?
The most common side effects of Preggie drops are:
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
These tend to be mild and often resolve within a few days as your body adjusts to the ingredients. Drinking lots of water can help minimize dry mouth, dizziness, and headaches.
Less common side effects that may occur include:
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea or constipation from ginger
- Allergic reaction in those with antihistamine sensitivity
Discontinue use if you have severe side effects or an allergic reaction. Seek medical help if you have breathing difficulties, throat swelling, or a rapid heartbeat.
Drowsiness Precautions
The antihistamine doxylamine in Preggie drops may cause severe drowsiness in some individuals. Exercise caution by:
- Not driving or operating heavy machinery after taking Preggie drops until you know how they affect you
- Avoiding alcohol, sedatives, or other medications that increase drowsiness
- Lying down after taking a dose if you begin to feel very sleepy
The drowsiness often improves within a few days as your body adjusts. But take care until you know how the Preggie drops affects you.
Are There Any Long-Term Effects of Preggie Drops?
There are no expected long-term effects from short-term use of Preggie drops according to the labeled dosage. Preggie drops are intended only for temporary relief of nausea lasting a few weeks at most during pregnancy.
However, very high daily doses of vitamin B6 exceeding 200-500 mg per day for extended periods have been associated with nerve damage leading to sensory neuropathy. Doses this excessive are extremely rare, however, and far exceed the amount in Preggie drops when taken as directed.
One study found that 600 mg per day of vitamin B6 for 5-10 months caused sensory neuropathy symptoms in more than 50% of cases. But the vitamin B6 dose in Preggie drops is well below this problematic level at only 10 mg per recommended serving.
There are no expected lasting effects when using Preggie drops according to instructions for treating temporary pregnancy nausea and vomiting.
Can I Take Preggie Drops While Breastfeeding?
Both vitamin B6 and doxylamine have very low transfer into breastmilk when taken by nursing mothers. Only small amounts reach the nursing infant.
One study found that infants exposed to vitamin B6 through breastmilk had plasma levels less than 2% of mothers’ levels. And the amount of doxylamine passed through breastmilk is also considered safe and low.
No adverse events have been reported in infants breastfed by mothers taking vitamin B6 or doxylamine at recommended dosages. If your baby experiences increased drowsiness, you may want to avoid nursing for 4-6 hours after taking Preggie drops.
Overall, Preggie drops are considered compatible with breastfeeding when taken according to label directions. But always discuss use with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Can Preggie Drops be Taken During the Entire Pregnancy?
Preggie drops are only intended for short term use during periods when you are experiencing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. They are not meant to be taken throughout the entire 9 months of pregnancy.
The doxylamine and vitamin B6 in Preggie drops helps relieve symptoms of morning sickness, which typically only occurs in the first trimester for most women. There’s no benefit to continuing Preggie drops in the 2nd and 3rd trimester if your nausea has subsided.
The manufacturer recommends using Preggie drops for a maximum of 14 days to treat pregnancy-related nausea. Extended use beyond this has not been established as safe.
Discontinue Preggie drops once your nausea symptoms decrease or around 14 days maximum. Only start taking them again if nausea returns later in pregnancy and your doctor agrees they are still appropriate.
When Should I Stop Taking Preggie Drops?
You should stop taking Preggie drops:
- After 14 days maximum, even if still nauseous
- Once your nausea and vomiting is adequately controlled
- If morning sickness symptoms disappear
- If you experience any severe side effects
- When you reach the third trimester of pregnancy
Preggie drops are only intended for short-term relief of severe morning sickness in early pregnancy. Follow your doctor’s advice on when to stop taking them.
Don’t continue taking Preggie drops into the late 2nd or 3rd trimester unless specifically advised to do so by your OBGYN. There are certain pregnancy complications where extended use may be warranted, but this is not typical.
If nausea returns later in pregnancy after stopping Preggie drops, you should get medical approval before starting them again. Your doctor can help determine if it’s appropriate or if alternatives may be better options.
Stopping Doxylamine
Doxylamine is the antihistamine ingredient in Preggie drops that helps relieve nausea. When stopping doxylamine after regular use, it’s recommended to slowly taper your dosage over 2-3 days instead of abruptly halting.
This helps avoid potential rebound effects like worsened nausea, headaches, dizziness, or sleep disruptions. Decrease your doxylamine doses over a few days as instructed by your doctor.
What If Preggie Drops Don’t Work?
If taking Preggie drops according to directions doesn’t adequately relieve your pregnancy nausea and vomiting, speak to your doctor about alternative anti-nausea medications. Some options include:
- Promethazine – Antihistamine similar to doxylamine that stops nausea signals.
- Metoclopramide – Helps improve digestive contractions and emptying.
- Ondansetron – Prevents nausea and vomiting triggers from activating.
- Prochlorperazine – Blocks dopamine receptors that control nausea.
Your doctor may try adjusting your dose of Preggie drops or switch you to a different medication if you don’t respond as expected. Be sure to let your doctor know:
- How often you are taking Preggie drops
- Your nausea and vomiting severity and timing
- If you’ve had any side effects
This will help determine if Preggie drops require adjustment or if you need a different treatment option.
Alternative Nausea Treatments
There are also some non-medication approaches that may provide additional relief if Preggie drops are ineffective:
- Ginger, mint, or lemon for aromatherapy
- Sea bands acupressure wrist bands
- Frequent small meals and hydration
- Cold foods and drinks
- Avoiding food triggers
Your doctor can help troubleshoot why Preggie drops aren’t working and discuss additional medication and non-medication options to help treat your pregnancy nausea.
The Bottom Line
When used as directed, Preggie pops and drops are a safe way to temporarily relieve nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. To avoid side effects, be careful not to exceed the recommended dosing.
Most women only need to take Preggie drops for a few weeks early in the first trimester when morning sickness is worst. Extended use into the second and third trimester is not advised.
Talk to your doctor if your symptoms don’t improve after taking the maximum dosage of Preggie drops for 14 days. They can recommend trying alternative anti-nausea medications or treatments to help you manage morning sickness throughout your pregnancy.
