Is It Safe to Take Gravol While Pregnant?
Gravol is only safe to take during pregnancy if your doctor has approved you to take it, according to the Gravol website. This drug is classified as a Category B by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. That means that while studies in animals indicate the drug is safe, no studies have been done on pregnant women using this drug.
Gravol is an antihistamine, antivertigo and antiemetic medication that might be used to alleviate nausea, vomiting and dizziness during pregnancy. One of the ingredients in this drug is dimenhydrinate, which is associated with some side effects.
According to SafeFetus, there is a chance that Gravol could cause problems with the pregnancy. It could possibly cause an inguinal hernia or cardiovascular defects in the fetus if taken during the first trimester of pregnancy. If taken later in pregnancy, there is a chance for retrolental fibroplasia if the baby is born prematurely. This drug also has an oxytocic effect, which can lead to fetal distress and uterine irritability.
Morning sickness, which involves both nausea and vomiting, is common during pregnancy. While most morning sickness can be managed by eating small meals throughout the day, severe or persistent morning sickness can be a serious problem. In the case of hyperemesis gravidarum, the nausea and vomiting might become so severe that the pregnant woman loses weight or becomes dehydrated. This condition warrants a trip to the doctor’s office beait can cause serious problems with the baby.
