Pregnancy
Severe Pregnancy Sickness: When Food and Fluids Will Not Stay Down
Severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy can prevent normal eating, drinking and daily activity. Hyperemesis gravidarum is more than ordinary morning sickness and deserves treatment and support.
Severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy can prevent normal eating, drinking and daily activity. Hyperemesis gravidarum is more than ordinary morning sickness and deserves treatment and support.
Seek help before dehydration worsens
Contact your maternity clinician promptly if you cannot keep food or fluids down. Dark or reduced urine, dizziness and weight loss are important details to mention. Assessment may include checking for dehydration and other causes of vomiting.
Treatment can include suitable anti-sickness medicines and, when needed, hospital care and intravenous fluids. Do not assume that nothing can be offered during pregnancy.
Describe the impact clearly
Tell the team how often you are vomiting, what you can drink and whether prescribed medicines stay down. Mention any medicines you have already tried and whether they helped.
It is also useful to describe the effect on work, sleep and looking after other children. These practical effects matter even if you find it difficult to estimate the number of vomiting episodes.
Ask for a follow-up plan
Clarify what to do if symptoms return after initial improvement, whom to contact and when a review is needed. Do not change doses or combine remedies without checking their suitability.
Severe sickness can be isolating and emotionally draining. Ask for help with meals, transport and household tasks where possible, and tell the clinician if your mood is affected. If you had hyperemesis in a previous pregnancy, mention it early so the team can discuss a plan before symptoms become severe.
Further reading and care
For an individual assessment with Dr. Aishwarya Parulekar Pai, contact the clinic and confirm the appointment location before travelling.