Comparing the Effect of Ondansetron and Ginger on Pregnancy-Related Nausea and Vomiting in Women Attending the Perinatal Clinic in Tehran(A Randomized Clinical Trial)

Background Nausea and vomiting are common complaints during pregnancy, observed in approximately 90% of pregnant women to varying degrees. Various herbal and chemical medicines are utilized to manage these symptoms. Ondansetron is the most prevalent chemical medication, and ginger is the most commonly consumed herbal remedy for managing pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting (NVP). Given the trend toward herbal medicines, the researcher aimed to conduct a study comparing the effects of ondansetron and ginger ( Zingiber officinale ) on NVP in women attending the perinatal clinic. Methods The data collection tool was the Rhodes questionnaire. The triple-blind clinical trial was conducted on 40 pregnant women attending the perinatal clinic at Shohada ye Tajrish Hospital in Tehran, Iran (2021–2022). These women were suffering from mild to moderate NVP, as assessed by the Rhodes questionnaire. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one group received ginger and the another received ondansetron. Each participant received a package labeled distinctly, containing 12 capsules in similar packaging. The medicine administration method involved taking one capsule every 12 hours for 4 days. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 23, employing independent t-tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results Before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in term of scores for nausea, vomiting, and retching. Post-intervention, no significant differences were observed between the two groups. However, intragroup changes showed a reduction in the levels of nausea, vomiting, and retching in both the ondansetron and ginger groups compared to before the intervention, which was statistically significan (P < 0.001 for both group). Nonetheless, no significant statistical difference was observed between the changes in nausea (P = 0.798), vomiting (P = 0.304), and retching (P = 0.270) scores between the two groups. Conclusion G inger like ondansetron, may contribute to improving nausea, vomiting, and retching in pregnant women. Since pregnant women are often hesitant to use chemical medications due to concern about side effects, ginger may be an option for relieving NVP symptoms.