Expert: Lawrence Jay Rappaport <B>M.D.</B> - 12/1/2005
Question I am 28 and pregnant with my first child. I am 19 1/2 weeks along. I am still suffering from "morning sickness" which lasts all day. I take Promethazine twice a day for the nausea but it only makes me sleepy. I never have energy and throw up at least once per day. My husband is an angel because I am so sick...My doctor has also prescribed Zofran but it is too expensive and doesn't help much either...adds to the sleepiness. Will this ever end? Is there anything I can eat or drink (NOTE: I hate tea--makes me throw up almost immediatedly)? I find that I don't crave anything to eat...I know this is not healthy for me or the baby...I want to do something and have become depressed because of the lack of options (to do anything but get sick and sleep) that I have. I have asked my doctor these questions but she is always "rushed" during the appointments and states that it should have gone away by now and to let her know if it gets worse (I forgot to mention that I have been hospitalized twice for dehydration--IV, etc,...in my third month). Thanks for any advice you can give me.
Answer Usually "morning sickness" stops around 15 weeks of pregnancy. HOwever, I have seen it last for most of the pregnancy as well. The Zofran (4mg every 4 hours) does help. I would stop the promethazine if it makes you dizzy. Try eating tiny meals throughout the day. Avoid greasy foods, fatty foods, dairy, and soups and, if necessary, drink ginger ale and carry around saltine crackers wherever you go.I doubt that the nausea and vomiting will get as bad as it was in your 3rd month to require hospitalization to replace your fluids and correct your electrolyte balance.
