Efficacy of Herbal Ginger Tea in Reduction of Morning Sickness Among First Trimester Primi Mothers

Abstract

Introduction: Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP) which is also called as morning sickness, occur commonly due to some hormonal effects. Possible harmful side-effects of conventional medicine to the developing foetus create the need for alternative options to relieve NVP. This study investigated current research evidences and possible benefits regarding orally administered ginger for the treatment of NVP. The primary objective was to assess the effectiveness of ginger in treating NVP.

Methods: This study was conducted in antenatal clinic of selected hospital of Jaipur, among 30 first trimester primi mothers having morning sickness. A quantitative research approach with quasi experimental pre test and post test nonrandomized control group design was adopted, and the participants were selected using non probability convenience sampling comprising 15 antenatal mothers each in experimental and control group. Experimental group received intervention 200 ml of herbal ginger tea, once a day for 4 days and the control group did not receive any intervention. The post-test was conducted for both the groups after 4 days to assess the level of nausea, vomiting and retching. Demographic variables were used to collect personal information and Rhodes Index of nausea, vomiting and retching scale was used to assess the level of morning sickness.

Results: Result revealed that 200 ml ginger tea prepared from 500 mg ginger once a day for 4 days was very effective in reduction of morning sickness among 1st trimester primi mothers in experimental group as compared to control group. This difference was found statistically significant at 0.05 level of significance.

Conclusions: This pilot study suggests potential benefits and significant effects of ginger in reducing morning sickness in pregnancy. Ginger could be considered a harmless and possibly effective alternative option for women suffering from NVP. It is highly recommendable natural remedy to relieve morning sickness.