Coping
Date: 2001-04-30

Question:
I am a 7 week pregnant, 32 year old woman. This is my first pregnancy and I have been experiencing extreme nausea. My gynecologist prescribed Diclectin to relieve the nausea, but after taking it for a few days, I stopped using it as it caused severe drowsiness. Apart from taking Diclectin, the only other measures that I have been taking for the nausea are those described in the Healthy Beginnings handbook. But so far, I have had no relief. Otherwise, I am in good health. The problem is that I feel this nausea 24 hours a day and I find it very difficult to carry on a normal life. Although, to date, I rarely vomit, the nausea is unbearable at times. It is a vicious circle since any food I eat makes me nauseous, even when I am hungry. My diet lately has consisted mainly of fruit, soda crackers, and some very light soup, which are the only foods that don't make me feel nauseous. I also frequently have indigestion and, on rare occasions, diarrhea. I drink enough liquids every day, but worry about the fetus' health since I can't stomach what would be considered to be a well-balanced diet. In the last 7 weeks, I have actually lost two or three pounds. This really worries me. I would like to know if it is normal to feel sick not only in the morning but 24 hours per day. Do you have any recommendations? Also, how can I meet the fetus' nutritional needs while enduring this sickness? Any advice would be greatly appreciated, as I am getting desperate with this relentless sickness.

Answer:
Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy is so common (especially in the first trimester) that it affects 50% to 80% of all pregnant women. For most, it can last all day and make it difficult to carry on a normal life.

Eating right can be most difficult. But since you still seem to be able to eat and drink and are probably taking vitamin supplements, maintaining a perfectly well-balanced diet should not worry you too much. For more information, please phone our NVP Helpline at 1-800-436-8477. We might also be able to give you information on how to deal with the possible side effects of Diclectin.