My doctor says there is nothing available to treat HG. True?

Frequently asked questions from mothers.

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My doctor says there is nothing available to treat HG. True?

Postby admin » May 26, 2004 11:00 pm

Due to the risk of stating a medication is safe for use during pregnancy, few if any drug manufacturers will say their drugs are intended for use during pregnancy or for a pregnancy condition such as HG. However, due to the misery and debility women with HG face, physicians will often treat with medications deemed safe due to their history of being used for decades to treat pregnancy nausea and vomiting (e.g. Compazine, Phenergan, Unisom).

It is unfortunate that many health professionals will only consider the older medications, as they are often found to be less effective than newer medications (Zofran, Kytril, Reglan). This is especially true if you have moderate or severe HG. Newer medications are not necessarily unsafe, they just don't have as many studies to demonstrate their safety. Treating with effective drugs is often less risky than not treating HG. Chronic dehydration and malnutrition worsen your symptoms and can adversely affect the baby.

Above all, know that effectively treating symptoms early in pregnancy can make a woman less sick and can decrease the time it takes to recover. Delaying treatment until you have been vomiting for several weeks makes it harder to gain control over the vomiting cycle. You have the right to adequate health care. Consult with another health professional if needed to get the care you need. Your spouse or a significant other may need to advocate for you if you are very sick. If you lose more than 8-10% of your pre-pregnancy weight and your doctor is unwilling to give you effective medications or other treatments, it is a good idea to seek a second opinion from a high-risk obstetrician or perinatologist.

Calculate Your Weight Loss: http://www.helpher.org/mothers/about-hy ... ulator.php

Our Referral Network lists health professionals who have been recommended by women with HG or by self-referral. You will also find information on how to find a practitioner experienced in treating HG if one is not listed in your area.

More Info on Treatment Options: http://www.helpher.org/mothers/treatments/index.php
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