Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: a cross-sectional study of community pharmacists in the UK

Objectives: To assess the content and frequency of advice community pharmacists (CPs) provide to pregnant women with nausea and vomiting, their confidence in providing advice, and their knowledge of the safety of medication used to manage the condition.

Methods: An online questionnaire of closed- and open-ended questions was distributed to CPs in the UK in May 2023. Closed-ended questions were analysed quantitatively, and conventional content analysis was utilised for open-ended responses.

Key findings: One hundred and eighty-one respondents completed the questionnaire, 24 responses were excluded, leaving data from 157 available for analysis. The majority (90.4%) of participants reported having experience in providing advice on nausea and vomiting with varying levels of confidence. Advice provided included using over-the-counter products, lifestyle modifications, reassurance, medication advice, and referring to other healthcare professionals. Knowledge of first-line antiemetics considered safe in pregnancy varied; cyclizine was correctly identified as safe during pregnancy by 57.3%, followed by 37.6% for promethazine and 31.2% for prochlorperazine. Self-reported confidence and having experience providing advice were related to higher medication safety identification rates. Five percent of participants reported previous training on the condition, while 70% reported wanting further education, preferably delivered via an online medium.

Conclusions: This study showed that although 90% of CPs provide advice on nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, their medication safety knowledge varied. The majority of CPs reported wanting further education that would ensure women could access reliable information and evidence-based advice to optimise management of the condition.