Ah, the joys of early pregnancy! The anticipation, the tiny flutters… and for many, that unwelcome guest: nausea. Often dubbed “morning sickness“, this queasy feeling can strike at any time of day – or night! It can make even the simplest tasks feel like a monumental effort, and even take travel off the cards completely.
At Brixton Travel Clinic, we regularly support expectant mums preparing for travel—whether it’s a family holiday, a short domestic trip, or even the daily school run with little ones in tow. One of the most common questions we’re asked is: Can travel sickness bands help with morning sickness and travel-related nausea during pregnancy?
If you’re navigating early pregnancy and struggling with waves of nausea, you’re certainly not alone. Morning sickness affects around 7 in 10 pregnant women, and for many, the symptoms can be triggered or worsened by motion—whether you’re in the car, on a plane, or rocking on a train.
Here, we’ll explore what travel sickness bands are, how they work, and why they’re often a safe and practical choice for pregnant women—especially when travelling with children.
What Are Travel Sickness Bands?
Travel sickness bands are soft, elasticated wristbands designed to combat nausea and motion sickness using a principle called acupressure. The bands have a small plastic stud that presses on a specific point on the inner wrist known as the P6 (or Nei-Kuan) acupressure point.
Acupressure has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine, and there’s increasing interest in its effectiveness as a non-invasive remedy for nausea—including pregnancy-related sickness.
Are They Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes, travel sickness bands are generally considered safe for use during pregnancy. Since they don’t involve any medication or chemicals, they’re a drug-free way to relieve nausea—making them ideal during the first trimester, when many women prefer to avoid medicinal options unless absolutely necessary.
They can be worn throughout the day, including while sleeping or travelling. Importantly, they don’t cause drowsiness, so they won’t affect your ability to care for your children or carry out your daily routine.
Always ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper placement, and speak with your midwife or pharmacist if you have concerns about persistent or severe symptoms.
The Benefits of Travel Sickness Bands for Morning Sickness
Non-Drug Relief: Perhaps the biggest advantage of travel sickness bands is that they offer a drug-free approach to managing nausea. This is particularly appealing to pregnant individuals who are often cautious about medication during this sensitive period.
Easy to Use: These bands are incredibly simple to put on and take off. They can be worn discreetly under clothing and don’t require any special preparation.
No Known Side Effects: Unlike some anti-nausea medications, travel sickness bands generally have no known side effects, making them a very low-risk option.
Can Be Used Alongside Other Remedies: If needed, travel sickness bands can often be used in conjunction with other recommended strategies for managing morning sickness, such as eating small, frequent meals and avoiding trigger foods.
Travel Sickness Bands: A Travel Companion During Pregnancy
Now, let’s consider the specific scenario of travelling during pregnancy. Even without the added complication of morning sickness, travel itself can sometimes induce nausea. The motion of a car, train, plane, or boat can disrupt the inner ear, leading to feelings of dizziness and sickness.
For pregnant individuals already experiencing morning sickness, the added motion of travel can exacerbate their symptoms. This is where travel sickness bands can be particularly beneficial. By providing that constant acupressure, they may help to settle the stomach and reduce the likelihood of travel-related nausea on top of existing morning sickness.
Travelling with Kids? Bands Can Be a Game-Changer
If you’re travelling with children who are also prone to travel sickness, travel sickness bands can be a fantastic addition to your family’s travel kit. They are a safe and easy-to-use solution for little ones, avoiding the need for medication that might cause drowsiness or other side effects. Having travel sickness bands on hand for both yourself and your children can make journeys much more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.
No one wants a car full of unhappy, nauseous passengers!
Manage Nausea During Pregnancy and Travel
For many pregnant individuals experiencing morning sickness and those prone to travel nausea, travel sickness bands offer a safe, simple, and drug-free way to potentially alleviate their symptoms. They can be a particularly useful tool when travelling, especially with children who also suffer from motion sickness. While not a guaranteed cure, the low risk and ease of use make travel sickness bands a worthwhile option to consider in your arsenal of strategies for managing nausea during pregnancy and beyond.
Reach out for further guidance and support from our team, whether you need support managing pregnancy side effects, travel advice for families, or have any questions about travel vaccines.
Book a consultation today:
We are ready to support you – enjoy a smoother, more comfortable journey!
This blog was written on behalf of Brixton Travel Clinic by Pharmacy Mentor.