Patient education: Hyperemesis gravidarum – Discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — 

Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care for a health problem.

What is hyperemesis gravidarum? — 

This is a condition that causes frequent vomiting (throwing up) during pregnancy. It is like morning sickness, except the symptoms are much more severe.

Hyperemesis gravidarum can be treated with diet changes and medicines. Some people need to get fluids through a vein (by "IV"). If these treatments do not work, some people need to get nutrition through a feeding tube.

How do I care for myself at home? — 

Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also:

●Take all your medicines as instructed. The doctor might have prescribed 1 medicine to take regularly, and another to take when your symptoms get worse.

●Eat as soon as you feel hungry, or even before you feel hungry.

●Snack often, and eat small meals. Choose foods that are high in protein, like eggs, cheese, yogurt, peanut butter, and lean meats. Good snacks include bland, dry foods like crackers, toast, and pretzels.

●It might help to avoid coffee and foods that are spicy or very sweet.

●Drink cold, clear beverages that are either fizzy or sour. Good choices are lemonade and ginger ale. You can also try small amounts of sports drinks or "oral rehydration solutions."

●Drink fluids at least 30 minutes before or after eating to avoid feeling too full.

●Try sucking on ginger-flavored lollipops, or smelling fresh lemon, mint, or orange.

●Brush your teeth or rinse your mouth right after eating. Do not lie down right after eating.

●Take your vitamins at bedtime with a snack, not in the morning. If your vitamin contains iron, your doctor might recommend stopping it for a while, since iron can make nausea worse. If so, you will need to take a folic acid supplement or a multivitamin without iron.

●Avoid things that make you feel sick. That might include stuffy rooms, strong smells, hot places, loud noises, or not sleeping enough. Try to figure out if some foods and drinks stay down better than others.

●Try wearing "acupressure" bands on your wrists. These might reduce morning or motion sickness.

What follow-up care do I need? — 

Your doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to make a follow-up appointment. If so, make sure you know when and where to go.

At your regular appointments with your doctor, nurse, or midwife, they will ask about your symptoms and talk to you about how to care for yourself.

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call for advice if you:

●Have signs of dehydration, such as:

•Not urinating for more than 8 hours

•Feeling very lightheaded or like you will pass out

•Feeling weak, like you are going to fall

•Dark urine

•Dry mouth

•Muscle cramps

•Lack of energy

•Feeling lightheaded when getting up

●Vomit every day, vomit many times during the day, or have blood in your vomit

●Are losing weight

●Have pain or cramps in your belly

●Have diarrhea

More on this topic

Patient education: Hyperemesis gravidarum (The Basics)
Patient education: Morning sickness (The Basics)
Patient education: Nutrition before and during pregnancy (The Basics)
Patient education: Bland diet (The Basics)

Patient education: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (Beyond the Basics)