Hyperemesis Gravidarum Treatments

Diet

Frequent small meals, bland or dry foods, high-protein choices.

Anti-nausea Medications

Reducing nausea, and thus allowing eating and drinking, will hasten recovery. Due to the risk of stating that a drug is safe for use during pregnancy, very few pharmaceutical manufacturers will say that their drugs are intended for a pregnancy condition like HG (examples: promethazine or prochlorperazine ). However, physicians often recommend that women with HG take certain anti-nausea medications, balancing the potential benefits and risks. Talk to your doctor about the right medications for you.

A common and safe remedy is to take supplemental vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that first-line treatment of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy should start with pyridoxine with or without doxylamine. Pyridoxine has been found to be effective in significantly reducing severe vomiting.

IV Hydration and Anti-nausea Medications

In urgent visit situations, HG can be managed by giving the woman fluids and vitamins intravenously. This can sometimes be done without hospitalization. Very rarely, some women require IV fluids throughout the entire pregnancy.

Nutrition by Vein

If a woman is unable to tolerate food by mouth, she may need to receive nutrition by vein. This is called parenteral nutrition. A special kind of catheter is placed in a large vein and liquid nutrition is given. This can sometimes be done without hospitalization. Enteral feeding —supplying food through a feeding tube into the intestines—is another option (albeit unpopular).

Alternative Therapy

Acupressure may help to reduce nausea. Acupressure is when pressure is applied to acupuncture points.

Termination of Pregnancy

In extreme cases, induced abortion may be considered.