NVP Counselor
Date: 2004-06-01

Question:
My husband and I are thinking of trying again in July after terminating due to sever HG in the fall. We have a great DR this time who is willing to help anyway he can. Do you have anything that I can take with me when I see him next that would list out meds that are working or not working? Reglan did nothing for me, I was allergic severely to Phenegren, and Zofran helped some but I was so far gone by then nothing really worked. I had a PICC line with fluids but only after the 3rd visit to the ER. It was a long bad experience with little treatment until my health was in jepordy. We are just trying to make sure we do everything possible to be prepared and would appreciate any information you can provide. Your site comes highly recommended! Thank you -

Answer:
It is not certain that your symptoms will be as severe in your next pregnancy, as they were in the first. Nonetheless, planning is always useful. Taking vitamins, especially B6 might be beneficial. We usually suggest 25 mg, three times a day while planning. It's important to start treatment immediately at the very first sign of NVP symptoms. Women rarely do this in their first pregnancy. All NVP treatment are listed in our algorithm posted on this website under February 2002 Motherisk Update. Reglan, Phenergan, and Zofran are listed along with others that you may want to discuss with your doctor.

Any pre-existing health issues should be addressed and if necessary, treated. Some women with severe NVP (often attributed solely to their pregnancy) can actually be H.Pylori positive - a stomach bacteria that causes symptoms similar to severe NVP. H.Pylori requires different treatment.

To discuss the risk or safety of treatment, speak to a teratogen information specialist in your area. A list of teratogen information services in the United States can be found on the OTIS website.