Can You Take Zofran While Pregnant?

If you’re living by the mantra what goes down, must come up, you might be experiencing one of the more common pregnancy symptoms. Hello, NVP (or nausea and vomiting of pregnancy)! So how can you find relief? Can you take Zofran while pregnant? Or should you look to other options to find relief?

While we don’t know exactly what causes it, nausea and vomiting happen in about 70 to 80% of pregnancies. These symptoms can range from somewhat uncomfortable to downright debilitating. [1]

In very severe cases, NVP can lead to malnutrition and dehydration, both of which can be particularly dangerous for you and your baby when you’re pregnant.

So what can you do about it?

The sad truth is, not all medication is a great idea when you’re pregnant. The issue of what you can and can’t put in your body when you’re pregnant is complicated. So much is on the no-go list.

As for Zofran and pregnancy, well, it’s best to check in with your doctor about this one, as this too is a tangled tale. But the good news is, the general word is that it may be an option when it comes to NVP treatment.

In this article: 📝

What exactly is Zofran?

Zofran is the brand name for ondansetron, a type of medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting. And while that might seem like it could make it ideal for certain pregnancy symptoms, it’s actually designed for another use — to treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy and surgery.

Ondansetron works in two places: the brain and the gut. In the brain, it blocks serotonin (5-HT3) receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone, which is the area that senses nausea signals. [2]

It also works in the gut by calming the vagus nerve, which normally carries “I feel sick” messages from the stomach to the brain. This gut effect is thought to be the main way it helps stop nausea and vomiting. So, turns out it can do double-duty.

Some doctors offer it as a treatment for NVP, particularly in the first trimester, when the symptoms can be at their worst. The use of ondansetron in pregnancies has increased quite dramatically over the last few years — from about 1-15.2%. [3]

That’s a pretty big jump, making it more important than ever to check in about its safety. So are there any risks to taking it? Let’s take a look.

Will Zofran hurt my unborn baby?

Despite the controversy around Zofran and pregnancy, the risk to your baby appears to be low. [4]

This study showed that taking this medication to relieve symptoms of nausea and vomiting was not linked to the development of birth differences in babies. But here’s where the plot thickens. [5]

While this study backs up those findings, it also explains that it’s not risk-free, and may be linked to a small increase in the risk of heart conditions in newborns. [6]

There’s also research to suggest that it might increase the chances of your baby being born with a cleft palate. [7]

That’s why the official recommendation in the US is that it only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary. It’s also best recommended when first-line treatments like doxylamine or pyridoxine are ineffective or not tolerated. [8]

And extra caution should be taken in the first trimester, when your baby is making some major developmental leaps. So the bottom line here is to check in with your doctor to see if the benefits for you outweigh the risks, or if there’s a different treatment option that may be better for you.

Can Zofran cause a miscarriage?

The good news is that there are no studies linking the use of Zofran to pregnancy loss. Pregnancy loss can happen to anyone. If it happens to you, know that you didn’t do anything wrong.

And if you need support, join us on Peanut. You don’t have to go through this alone.

How much Zofran can you take while pregnant?

The important thing here is to follow the prescription given to you by your doctor. Zofran comes in 4mg and 8mg tablets. One tablet at a time usually does the trick.

And Zofran can be taken with or without food. One thing to know, though, is that Zofran can cause constipation, which is already a common issue during pregnancy. [9]

That’s why doctors usually recommend using it sparingly and sometimes pairing it with a gentle laxative, like psyllium, docusate, lactulose, or polyethylene glycol, to make bowel movements easier.

How often can you take Zofran while pregnant?

Again, this is something that you should discuss with your doctor, as it will depend on your particular set of symptoms. To minimize the risks, it’s good to take this medication as infrequently as possible. The commonly recommended dose is 4-8mg every 8 hours as needed, but doses should not exceed 24 mg per day. [2]

And if you’re looking for some other options to combat NVP, we’ve got you covered.

What can you take for nausea while pregnant?

Vitamin B-6 supplements and ginger are two very helpful treatments for pregnancy nausea. Antihistamines are also used as a treatment — but know that there are risks to this, too. [10,11]

If your nausea is really intense and you’re vomiting a lot, it’s important to watch out for dehydration. In such cases, a quick trip to the hospital for some IV fluids can help get you back on track.

Lastly, eating small meals frequently can also help — sadly, the blander, the better. And steer clear of any foods that make you feel ill. (Let your gut be your guide.)

No two pregnancies are alike, and what might be appropriate for one mama-to-be, may not be for another. You and your doctor will work together to find out what the best course of treatment is for you.

You don’t have to struggle through this alone. Good luck, mama. 🫶