Hyperemesis Article

From mothering.com:

Common Treatments for Hyperemesis Gravidarum

What did I think of it?

Hmm. Well, I love Mothering Magazine, I love mothering.com, and I love Peggy O'Mara. And the article isn't bad.

But....

It contains a lot of statements that just make me sigh. Such as...

"Smaller, more frequent meals that are low in fat and sugar and contain plenty of vegetables and fruits can help."

"Ginger root has been used for centuries for nausea; it can be taken raw or in the form of tea, tinctures, capsules, or candy. It is often suggested that the intake of foods containing B vitamins be increased. These include whole grains, leafy greens, dried beans, almonds, peanuts, broccoli, and cabbage."

For any HG mamas reading, I don't really need to say anything more. 

And other statements that are discouraging toward the use of antiemetic pharmaceuticals:

"Newer antinausea drugs, such as Zofran (ondansetron), were designed for cancer patients and are expensive. Nor are they always covered by insurance, as they are not labeled as approved for use by pregnant women."

"Although no animal or human teratogenicity has been reported regarding Zofran (ondansetron), arguably the most effective drug for nausea and vomiting, Zofran’s package insert cautions: “There are, however, no adequate or well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproductive studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.”

The natural living community is a wonderful place, and I spend most of my mental time in it. (Hey, I run a crunchy-granola-homebirth blog! This is my tribe!) But if the natural community has a fault, it is a failure to recognize the need for cold, hard, drugs when the need is real and present. I have seen this in scores of natural pregnancy books.

So... look into natural options. Sure. But don't throw away your Zofran. :)