Womens Hospital Birth Center Triage

1500 E. Medical Center Drive

Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0256
734-764-8134

SEVERE NAUSEA AND VOMITING OF PREGNANCY

HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM
Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy affects about half of pregnant women. Its thought to be
related to the effects of hormone changes in early pregnancy. Most women recover by the
beginning of the second trimester (about 14 weeks). Unfortunately, small numbers of women
experience a prolonged and severe form of nausea and vomiting, known as hyperemesis
gravidarum.
Hyperemesis gravidarum can last much later into the pregnancy and require IV hydration and
medications to control the symptoms. This can be a very stressful time for you and your family.
The following suggestions have helped other women with hyperemesis gravidarum:

Avoid an empty or overloaded stomach.

Eat something before you get out of bed. Get up slowly.
Eat 5-6 small meals per day.
Avoid greasy, spicy, fried, odorous, or gas-forming foods.
Avoid food preparation. The smell of food cooking can spoil your appetite.
Experiment with the temperature of foods and fluids to find those that decrease nausea.
Try eating separately from drinking fluids.
The smell of freshly cut lemons has been shown to decrease nausea.
Stop or, at least, decrease smoking.
Drinking mint teas, sucking on hard candies, or chewing crystallized ginger can help with
nausea.
Get plenty of sleep.
Continue mild physical exercise. Walking outdoors is especially good.
Discuss measuring ketones and specific gravity with your prenatal care provider. Urine
dipsticks for measuring these are available over the counter at your pharmacy. Call your
provider or Triage with ketones that are moderate or greater and specific gravity that is
greater than 1.025.
Also call your provider or Triage (734) 764-8134 if you are unable to keep down
anything for 24 hours or greater; if you are so dehydrated that you stop making urine; or
you become weak, dizzy and lightheaded.
Your doctor or nurse-midwife has prescribed:
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11/26/07

Take prescribed medication for nausea as needed. Dont wait until symptoms
are heading out of control.
Talk with your doctor or midwife about complimentary medicine such as
acupuncture, Sea bands, wrist TENS units, relaxation and feedback
techniques.