Medication Safety
Taking medications during pregnancy can be very upsetting for women as the general belief is that they will hurt their baby(ies). However, the risks of chronic dehydration, malnutrition, metabolic and emotional stress, as well as reduced mobility must be considered. These have been demonstrated to increase the risk of complications in mothers and possibly even in their child(ren). Conversely, most studies of medications commonly used for HG have not been found to significantly increase the risk of malformations in the baby.
Problems With Oral Medication
It is important to not only decide on the correct medication, or combination as is most common, but also to make sure a medication is being tolerated and taken correctly for optimal effectiveness. If a mother cannot swallow a pill or vomits it back up before it dissolves, then oral medications need to be replaced with medications that can be given a different route, such as a rapid dissolving films, patches or subcutaneous infusions, or even a cream or suppository made by a compounding pharmacy.
Trying the most effective medications in different forms is important before trying different medications or deciding any or all meds do not work.
Medication Strategies
"Keep in mind, the primary goal is to reduce nausea and vomiting so the mother can increase her intake and stay as mobile as possible. Risks and benefits must be considered in every case as each mother is unique."
- Kimber MacGibbon, RN -
Top 10 HG Treatment Tips for Moms & Families
- Changing medications abruptly or frequently is counterproductive; avoid changing them in the first 13 weeks if the improvement is noted.
- Effectiveness changes with increased doses or frequency, changes in route, or medication combinations.
- Scheduled dosing improves response so discuss taking on a strict schedule with your doctor.
- Metabolic imbalance impairs response to meds so make sure you have adequate electrolytes and fluids.
- Side-effects are better prevented than managed, especially constipation.
- If you have a history of HG, plan, and treat proactively, don't wait until you are very sick.
- Wean all meds slowly a few weeks after symptoms resolve and you can eat and drink adequately.
- Medication may be needed until delivery and is better than frequents ups and downs in symptoms and ability to function.
- Women can offer valuable insight into their care and should discuss ideas with their doctors.
- HG is traumatic and mothers need compassionate treatment and support. Sometimes getting a 2nd opinion or changing doctors is needed.
DISCLAIMER
This is general information and not intended to, and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, or a treatment plan for any individual. You should not use the information in place of consultation or advice of a healthcare provider. We are not liable in any way for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you choose based on this information or any other HER Foundation resource.
Sources
- Ondansetron in pregnancy and risk of adverse fetal outcomes in the United States. Reproductive Toxicology, 62 (2016) 87–91.
- Ondansetron in Pregnancy and Risk of Adverse Fetal Outcomes. N Engl J Med, 2013, 368:814-823.
- Risk factors, treatments, and outcomes associated with prolonged hyperemesis gravidarum. J Matern Fetal Neo Med. 2012 Jun, 25(6):632-6.
- Posttraumatic stress symptoms following pregnancy complicated by hyperemesis gravidarum. J Matern Fetal Neo Med. 2011 Nov, 24(11):1307-11.
- Symptoms and pregnancy outcomes associated with extreme weight loss among women with HG. J Women’s Health. 2009 Dec,18(12):1981-7.
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