Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Date: 2003-02-27

Question:
My sister recently told us she is pregnant. She suffered from hyperemisis in each of her previous pregnancies(4). The ob/gyn group she is with does not seem to be very sympathetic to her condition. Her conditon was so severe with her last pregnancy she was hospitalized several times. When she was admitted for the last time they wanted her to have a port put in because they told her it was better than having to put in an i.v. each time she came.

The doctor was not very happy she declined stating that she felt the risk was too high for infection. He told her he did not understand why she wants to be pregnant knowing what she has to go through in her pregnancies. She has asked if there is any kind of relief for her condition, whether it be medicinal or something else. She was told her condion is self-inflicted. That if would just calm down her body would not do what it is doing.

My question is, "Is hyperemisis considered 'high risk' for a pregnancy and would she be safe going to mid-wife for her current pregnancy and delivering at a birthing center? She has birthed four beautiful 7.5lbs+ boys and I think that maybe she should leave the group of doctors she is with and give it a shot. I also wanted to know about a medication called benedictin. I believe it is a combination of an antihistemine and vitamin B6. I know it is available in the U.S., but I wanted to know if there is currently anything similar available in the U.S., if not, would it be possible to have a doctor give her a prescription for each and take them?" Thank you for your time and knowledge. I appreciate them emensly.

Answer:
Others have told us about experiences that are similar to your sister's 4 pregnancies. We cannot comment on the treatment she received then, except to suggest that being prepared for possible NVP/HG in a subsequent pregnancy is important.

It is also important to identify a group of health professionals that is aware of her history, and any possible health conditions that could increase the severity of her NVP. For example, the presence of H Pylori stomach bacteria can cause symptoms that are similar to NVP, and would not respond to typical NVP/HG treatment.

Bendectin has not been available in the US since 1983. In Canada, the only approved medication for NVP is Diclectin, containing 10mg of Vitamin B6 and 10 mg of doxylamine succinate. Diclectin is not available in the US. Please review the questions and answers below to read how vitamin B6 and doxylamine succinate can be taken to help relieve NVP symptoms. Your sister is also welcome to call our NVP Helpline at 1-800-436-8477.