How To Cope with Morning Sickness
Eighty percent of pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (or NVP).When Does NVP Happen?
NVP usually starts at about seven weeks into the pregnancy, and it usually does not last beyond twelve weeks. For many women, the symptoms happen only in the morning - 'morning sickness.' About nine percent of women, however, continue to experience nausea and/or vomiting beyond 20 weeks.
The Toll Of NVP
Different women experience NVP with varying degrees of severity; 50 percent have nausea and vomiting, while 30 percent have nausea only.Extremely Severe NVP (Hyperemesis Gravidarum)
In rare cases - less than one percent - women may develop Hyperemesis Gravidarum. This extreme form of NVP involves persistent nausea and vomiting. The medical complications caused by this include dehydration, metabolic abnormalities, and weight loss, and can be dangerous and lead to a visit to the hospital.Ways Some Women Cope
Thankfully, NVP is treatable. Many pregnant women find it easier to cope with NVP by:- Eating small, frequent meals rather than large meals each day.
- Drinking liquids before or after eating meals but not during meals.
- Avoiding certain foods and smells, and avoiding cooking.
- Acupressure techniques.
- Hypnotherapy.
NVP Can Be Treated
NVP can be safely and effectively treated with specific medications. Diclectin is the only approved medication that is meant specifically for NVP. Diclectin is a delayed-release combination of vitamin B6 and doxylamine succinate, an antihistamine.Other medications found to be safe:
- dimenhydrinate (Gravol)
- hydroxyzine (Atarax)
- promethazine (Phenergan)
- prochlorperazine (Stemetil)
- Ondansetron (Zofran)
These medications are available in formulations that provide immediate relief.
What About Future Pregnancies?
You may have NVP in one pregnancy, but not in another.Published in March 2007.
