"Hyperemesis of Pregnancy"

I was going through some of my old hospital papers and found one of my "discharge instructions" papers that they give you when you are released, mine described the following for Hyperemesis Gravidarum (from Tri City Medical Center in Oceanside, CA.):

HYPER-EMESIS OF PREGNANCY
Hyperemesis of pregnancy is a severe form of "morning sickness", where the vomiting is excessive and may cause dehydration and chemical imbalances in the body. it occures in about 1% of pregnancies and is usually worse during the 10th thru 12th week of pregnancy. It usually gets better by the 16th week. It's cause is not well understood. It can be a serious threat to the mother and the fetus if dehydration becomes severe. Therefore, follow the advice below carefully.

HOME CARE:
1) Activity

• After awaking from sleep, remain in bed for 15 minutes before getting up.

2) Diet

• Eat frequent small meals rather than 3 large meals
• A diet high in Carbohydrates and Fiber is best avoid greasy and spicy foods
• Drink fluids between meals rather than with them
• Keep a log of the foods you eat and how they affect your symptoms, avoid foods that trigger your symptoms
• Keep saltine crackers at bedside. If you are nauseated upon waking eat some crakers or dry toast before getting out of bed
• If nausea and vomiting continue, rest your stomach by waiting 1-2 hours before trying to drink again.
• Stay in bed or severely limit your activities if nausea continues

3) Medicine

• In general it is best to avoid strong medicines during pregnancy, especially during the first three months. The effect on the growing baby is not always known and these could cause harm. Your doctor will recommend prescription medicine only when the symptoms you are having (vomiting and dehydration) are more dangerous to the baby than the small risk of using the medicine.
• Taking Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), 10-25mg daily is safe and may be helpful to reduce nausea
• Check with the doctor before taking any over the counter medicines during your pregnancy

FOLLOW UP:

With your doctor within the next few days or as instructed by this facility

RETURN PROMPTLY:

Or contact your doctor if any of the following occur:

• Unable to keep any clear liquids down over a 6 hour period
• Worsening sickness, dizziness, or fainting occurs
• No weight gain over a 2 week period
• Severe, constant lower right abdominal pain
• Fever, chills or frequent diarrhea

These were my discharge instructions from my October 2006 hospital stay, I was released 2 days before Halloween.... and that might all have been helpful if I could have kept anything down ;P