Nausea%20-and-%20vomiting%20in%20pregnancy Patient Education

Diet

• Intake of food and fluids should be frequent, in small amounts, and at room temperature 
• Spicy or fatty foods and cold, sweet, tart or carbonated beverages should be avoided 
• Protein-rich meals may be preferable for alleviating symptoms compared to carbohydrate- or fat-rich meals 
• Crackers and dry or bland foods may be taken in the morning before getting up 
• Encourage vitamin supplementation, particularly folic acid, for pregnant women   
  • Prenatal vitamins may be taken a month prior to pregnancy to decrease the incidence and severity of N/V
• Delaying iron supplement may help decrease NVP

Avoidance of Strong Sensory Stimuli

• Nauseous women should avoid food textures and smells that tend to cause nausea
• Women should also be advised to avoid other triggers (eg loud noises, heat, humidity, physical or visual movement, flickering lights, increased pressure on abdomen)

Emotional Support

• Women experiencing NVP need reassurance and appropriate support from family members, medical and nursing staff
• Expert consultation is advised if a pregnant woman is depressed, domestic violence is suspected, or if there is evidence of substance abuse or in the presence of psychiatric illness

Other Measures

• Fatigue tends to exacerbate NVP; therefore, women should be encouraged to increase their rest periods
• Behavioral interventions, eg hypnosis or mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, may be considered