Treatment
Date: 2000-04-07

Question:
I'm presently 33 weeks pregnant, and have been experiencing nausea and vomiting since my 4th week. At six weeks I started taking Diclectin, and I continue to do so. It seems to help quite a bit, but I still throw up about 2-4 times/day at least 5 days a week. Without the pills, I was throwing up at least every hour (16 + times/day). My vomiting is also very loud and powerful - I usually break many blood vessels in my face, and last week I broke them in my left eye (I look like a character in a horror movie). Are there any treatments that get rid of vomiting completely, or at least minimize the strength/power with which I throw up? Also, I always leak urine (enough to show) when I throw up. This is very embarassing at work. Is this normal? It's very reassuring to know that your group is out there, seriously studying this problem. I've had a doctor tell me the only reason I'm throwing up at all is because I "sub-consciously" don't want to have a baby. I want this child very much.

Answer:
NVP affects 50 to 80 percent of all pregnant women to various degrees, including all of the symptoms that you describe. It is definitely NOT caused by a subconscious rejection of the pregnancy. In Canada, NVP is sometimes treated with Diclectin. For women who experience severe symptoms and no side effects from the medication, the dosage and schedule may vary. Please call our NVP Helpline at 1-800-436-8477. We may be able to help improve your condition so that you can enjoy your last few weeks of pregnancy.