Motion Sickness in Special Cases (Pregnancy, Children, Elderly)

Motion sickness can affect different groups in different ways, and the safe choices change.

Pregnancy

Women are often more sensitive in pregnancy, and nausea from pregnancy can add to it. Eat small, frequent, bland meals, stay hydrated, sit in the front seat and open windows. Ginger in food amounts is generally used, but ask your doctor about supplements. Check with a doctor before taking any travel sickness medicine. Severe vomiting that does not stop needs medical care.

Children

Motion sickness is most common between 2 and 12 years.

• Seat the child forward-facing, with a view of the road
• Avoid screens, reading and heavy meals before travel
• Keep a bag, wipes and a change of clothes ready
• Take regular breaks for fresh air
• Do not use steam, oils or drops in the nose or ears
• Medicines for children depend on age and weight, and some are not suitable for young children. Ask a paediatrician.
• No honey for infants under 12 months, and no herbal remedies for infants unless a paediatrician advises

Babies under 2 rarely get motion sickness. Repeated vomiting in a baby needs a doctor.

Older adults

Older adults get motion sickness less often, but side effects from medicines are more likely, including confusion, dry mouth, drowsiness and falls. Scopolamine and sedating antihistamines need a doctor's advice. New dizziness in an older person may be due to inner-ear, heart or brain problems.

Emergency (112 or 102)

Vertigo with weakness, slurred speech, chest pain, fainting or sudden severe headache.

Key point

Take extra care with medicines in each of these groups and ask a doctor first.