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Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy

Pregnancy nausea is 'normal' — but that doesn't mean you have to push through it untreated, especially when safe, well-studied options exist. At our Orleans pharmacy, a licensed pharmacist can assess your symptoms and prescribe treatments with an established safety record in pregnancy, including doxylamine-pyridoxine (Diclectin). Free with your Ontario health card.

Nausea and vomiting affect 50–80% of pregnancies, usually in the first trimester — and despite the name 'morning sickness,' it can strike any time of day. The goals are simple: keep you comfortable, eating, and hydrated.

What's normal — and what isn't

Most people have symptoms by 9 weeks, and for the vast majority they subside by 16 weeks. A stepped approach works best: diet and lifestyle adjustments first, vitamin B6 next, then prescription options when needed. What isn't normal: being unable to keep fluids down, weight loss, or signs of dehydration — that's hyperemesis gravidarum (up to 2% of pregnancies), which needs prompt medical care, sometimes IV fluids.

Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy affects 50–80% of pregnancies; more than half of sufferers have symptoms by 6 weeks. Doxylamine + pyridoxine (Diclectin) is one of the most-studied medications in pregnancy, with decades of safety data.

Common signs and symptoms

Nausea — at any time of day, often worse on an empty stomach
Vomiting or retching, typically in the first trimester
Aversions to specific smells or foods
Symptoms usually beginning by week 6–9 and easing by week 16

Treatments our Orleans pharmacist can prescribe

For your information only: in Ontario, our pharmacist can assess this condition and, when appropriate, prescribe from the medications listed below. This information is provided for educational purposes — it is not an offer to sell. These are treatments that require a pharmacist assessment, and the right option is chosen for you.

Antiemetics & antinauseants: Dimenhydrinate (Gravol), Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Doxylamine, Pyridoxine / vitamin B6 (doxylamine + pyridoxine = Diclectin), Promethazine

Self-care that helps

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) — an evidence-supported first step
Ginger products (tea, lozenges, capsules) — ask the pharmacist about a safe amount in pregnancy
Acupressure wristbands — a drug-free option some people find helpful
Dry crackers before getting up; small frequent meals; sip fluids between (not with) meals
Take prenatal vitamins after food; consider iron-free prenatals if iron worsens nausea

Browse related over-the-counter options in our Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy self-care collection, or ask us in store — our pharmacists will point you to what actually helps.

How the assessment works

1. Walk in or callNo appointment or referral needed. Drop by our pharmacy on St-Joseph Blvd in Orleans during opening hours, or call ahead.

2. Private consultationA licensed pharmacist reviews your symptoms, health history and medications in a short, private assessment.

3. Prescription in handIf appropriate, we prescribe and fill your treatment on the spot — you leave with what you need.

Frequently asked questions

Is Diclectin safe for my baby?

Doxylamine-pyridoxine is among the most extensively studied medications in pregnancy, with a long track record and no demonstrated increase in birth defects. It's the standard first-line prescription for pregnancy nausea in Canada.

Can I just take Gravol?

Dimenhydrinate is an option in pregnancy, but drowsiness and correct dosing matter — and a stepped plan (B6 first, then combination therapy) usually controls symptoms better. Talk to us before starting anything in pregnancy.

When should I worry about dehydration?

If you can't hold down fluids for 12–24 hours, urinate little and dark, feel dizzy standing up, or lose weight — seek medical care promptly rather than waiting it out.

Is the pharmacist assessment covered by OHIP?

Yes. The minor ailment assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. You only pay for the medication itself if one is prescribed, and that is often covered by your drug plan.

Do I need an appointment at your Orleans pharmacy?

No. Walk-ins are welcome during all pharmacy hours — Monday to Friday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. You can also call 613-824-3111 ahead of your visit.

When to see a doctor instead: See a health-care provider right away if you can't keep fluids down, feel very thirsty, dizzy, or faint on standing; vomit blood; are losing weight; or have fever or diarrhea. Severe persistent vomiting (hyperemesis gravidarum) needs prompt medical care.

You don't have to just endure it.

Skip the walk-in clinic wait. Our Orleans pharmacists assess and prescribe for pregnancy nausea — free with your Ontario health card.

Call 613 · 824 · 3111 Hours & directions

Serving Orleans and east Ottawa — Fallingbrook, Avalon, Chapel Hill, Queenswood Heights, Blackburn Hamlet, Navan & Cumberland. 2746 St-Joseph Blvd, Unit 100, Orleans, ON K1C 1G5.