"I, single and waiting for ten years, have never been so validated"
Having been in the field of ob-gyn for over 30 years, I have certainly treated my share of hyperemesis gravidarum. I agree: patients become incapacitated, miserable, and even depressed.
With reference to the three-tier approach, I would consider IV hydration to be a Level 1 intervention. The profound weakness that accompanies dehydration can be mitigated by IV therapy, which can be a relief for patients and often serves to tide them over for several days. Patients can “tank up” and go home to function.
Regarding another approach, scientific evidence is emerging that scrupulously eliminating all animal-based food from the diet can tame HG very effectively. That would include completely avoiding meat, chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy. It appears that women who maintain a well-planned, whole food, plant-based diet do significantly better in terms of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. This dietary approach could be started even before pregnancy.
Among the many excellent references available, I would refer patients to the publications of registered dietician Brenda Davis, a lovely, compassionate, and brilliant giant in the field of whole food plant based eating.
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