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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Treatment & Monitoring

What are the treatments for the condition?

The primary treatment for HEG should focus on diet and replacing fluids, if the woman has become dehydrated. Dietary changes that may help include:

eating frequent small meals rather than three large ones

eating when hungry, even if it is not mealtime

avoiding foods that do not appeal to the pregnant woman

avoiding foods high in fat and protein

staying away from spicy foods

eating more foods that have dry carbohydrates

drinking more carbonated drinks

drinking teas made from peppermint or ginger

eating soothing foods such as soup, soda crackers, unbuttered toast, gelatin, or frozen desserts

avoiding milk products, which may be hard to digest for some women

stopping prenatal vitamins and iron until nausea and vomiting go away

drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated

In severe cases, a woman may need to enter the hospital for IV fluids, vitamins, and electrolytes. Medicines such as antiemetics and sedatives can also be used to calm the nausea. These include:

promethazine

hydroxyzine

trimethobenzamide

prochlorperazine

What are the side effects of the treatments?

The side effects depend upon which medicines are used to control nausea.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

In most women, HEG clears up by the second trimester. If a woman is not gaining enough weight, she may need to be given IV fluids and nutrients again.

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