Pregnant Women with Morning Sickness should be Prescribed Drugs: UK Doctors

Pregnant women with mild morning sickness can benefit from taking ginger or using acupressure on the wrist, says the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG). Therapies could offer alternatives to women who avoid medication. But in more severe cases, anti-sickness drugs and hospital treatment are important. About 80 percent of the pregnant women suffer from nausea and vomiting. However, it disappears withing the first four months. For some, it can last much longer.

The new guidance of RCOG offers insight on complimentary therapies to combat morning sickness. Anti-sickness drugs can help, and some women may need a day visit to the hospital or longer admissions for fluids and medications.

Morning sickness can be bad for some pregnant women who suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum. The condition affects up to 3% of pregnant women. It is characterized by severe, protracted nausea and vomiting associated with weight loss.

The new guidance also mentions that ginger can provide some relief. But NHS Choices warns that ginger products are not licensed for medical use in the UK.

Dr Manjeet Shehmar, the lead author of the guidelines, said many women with persistent symptoms do not receive the treatment they need."Women with persistent nausea can often feel that there is a lack of understanding of their condition."

"They may be unable to eat healthily, have to take time off work and feel a sense of grief or loss for what they perceive to be a normal pregnancy. It is, therefore, vital that women with this condition are given the right information and support and are made aware of the therapeutic and alternative therapies available to help them cope."

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Source-Medindia