What are the safest treatments for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy?
Nausea and vomiting occur frequently in pregnant women, especially during the first trimester. Severe nausea and vomiting often is termed hyperemesis gravidarum, which is a diagnosis by exclusion. As in the nonpregnant state, causes of nausea and vomiting include gastrointestinal problems (infection, gastritis, cholecystitis, peptic ulcer, hepatitis, pancreatitis), urinary tract infection (UTI), ear/nose/throat disease (motion sickness, labyrinthitis), drugs (digoxin, morphine), metabolic disorders (hypercalcemia, hyperparathyroidism), and psychological problems. Nausea and vomiting often are difficult to treat, especially because they generally occur in the first trimester. Because this is the most critical time for fetal organ development, minimal pharmaceutical usage is recommended. Dietary strategies usually are the best treatment. Some patients should only consume foods they know they tolerate well. For others, dry crackers, lemonade, and ginger products may be helpful. Vitamin B-
