Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

Nausea usually occurs around 5th week of pregnancy and remains around 12 weeks. The exact cause for nausea is still not known but it is most likely associated with rising serum hCG levels. If nausea is very severe, it suggest the possibility of multiple pregnancy or hydatidiform mole.

Management

1. Dietary change:           A-   4 to 6 meals are easily tolerated.

                                      B-   High protein food help to prevent low blood sugar levels.

                                      C-   Fatty, greasy or highly spiced food are best avoided.

2. Antiemetic drugs- Nausea usually requires no any specific medication.

                               Vomiting- Metoclopramide, Promethazine, Pyridoxine, and Prochlorperazine appears quite safe.

3. Psychological support- It is most important step in management, if the self limiting nature of the symptom is properly explanied, and reassurance is given and explained that the hCG is actually very important for the development of the baby, copes with the problem.

4. Admission to hospital- It is required when the women is unable to tolerate food and looses weight significantly or if ketone bodies are detected in urine.