NVP Counselor
Date: 2004-03-24

Question:
I have heard something about H. Pylori sometimes being a cause of Hyperemesis Gravidairum. Could you tell me more about this? Should I be getting tested for this now before I am pregnant since I have had HG will all three of my previous pregnancies? What information should I have when I go in to talk to my doctor about this?

Answer:
The link between H. Pylori and Hyperemesis Gravidarum has come to our attention over the last few years and several studies have been published on this topic. Testing prior to pregnancy might be useful, especially for women with a history of stomach problems. However, as some of our NVP Helpline callers have reported, a negative diagnosis prior to pregnancy does not completely exclude the possibility of a future positive result during pregnancy.

Even with a negative H. Pylori result, women with severe complaints regarding their stomach and digestion (heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, stomach pain) should discuss it with their doctor for possible treatment. The safety of drugs that your doctor may prescribe can be discussed with a Motherisk counselor by dialing (416) 813-6780 or with a teratogen information specialist in your area. Go to OTIS for a list of teratogen information services in the United States.