Alternate nostril breathing for first-trimester nausea and vomiting
Alternate Nostril Breathing (ANB) for 1st Trimester Nausea and Vomiting
This one-week breathing program tries alternate nostril breathing to see if it reduces nausea and vomiting in pregnant people in their first trimester.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Minnesota Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Trial ID | NCT07378839 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, two-arm, non-blinded randomized trial in which eligible participants are assigned to one week of daily alternate nostril breathing (ANB) or to a control arm. Nausea and vomiting severity is measured using the PUQE-24 score before and after the intervention to quantify change. Enrollment is limited to pregnant individuals aged 18 or older with a viable pregnancy between 6 0/7 and 12 6/7 weeks gestation and mild-to-moderate NVP (PUQE-24 score 4-12), and participants with severe NVP, respiratory conditions, or anatomical nasal issues are excluded. The trial is conducted at a single site and relies on participant adherence to the ANB breathing routine during the one-week intervention period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Pregnant individuals aged 18 or older with a confirmed viable pregnancy at 6 0/7–12 6/7 weeks gestation and mild-to-moderate nausea and vomiting (PUQE-24 score 4–12) who can read English and perform the breathing exercises are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with severe nausea/vomiting or hyperemesis gravidarum, active respiratory disease, a known deviated nasal septum, or nausea predating pregnancy are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a simple, non-drug option to reduce nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy.
How similar studies have performed: Breathing and mindfulness techniques have shown modest benefits for anxiety and some symptom control in other settings, but there is little high-quality prior evidence specifically testing alternate nostril breathing for first-trimester nausea and vomiting.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Pregnant individuals aged 18 years or older * Viable pregnancy with a gestational age between 6 0/7 - 12 6/7 weeks of gestation, confirmed by last menstrual period or ultrasound * Diagnosed with mild to moderate NVP (PUQE-24 score between 4-12) * Ability to understand and read English Exclusion Criteria: * Severe nausea and vomiting, defined as a PUQE score \>12, or diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum requiring hospitalization or intravenous fluid therapy * Pre-existing, active or acute respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, COPD) * History of severe anxiety disorders affecting breathing patterns * Known deviated nasal septum * Nausea and vomiting that pre-dates the pregnancy or is suspected to be due to a etiology other than pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Minneapolis, Minnesota
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Shilpa Babbar — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Erin Wesley
- Email: obgynresearch@umn.edu
- Phone: 612-624-9208
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.