Greater patient and healthcare provider dialogue needed for morning sickness

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) is the most common medical condition in pregnancy, affecting an estimated 70 to 85% of all pregnant women. Yet in a recent national survey of more than 350 nurse practitioners (NPs), only 40% of their patients reported experiencing NVP in the last 12 months, pointing to the need for greater patient and healthcare provider dialogue about the condition.   

The survey was conducted online in November 2011 by the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH) and supported by Upsher-Smith Women's Health.

"NVP is a condition that affects many pregnant women.  And, contrary to popular belief, many pregnant women experience symptoms sporadically throughout the day.  Even a less severe case of NVP can detract from the joy of pregnancy and may affect a woman's general well being," said Elizabeth Kostas-Polston, PhD, APRN, WHNP-BC, NPWH Board Chair. "Women experiencing NVP should discuss appropriate treatment strategies with their healthcare provider and not suffer in silence." 

The survey also revealed that after dietary and lifestyle changes, the top three treatment options currently being recommended include: vitamin B6, ginger and ondansetron. 

"Historically, there have been a limited number of treatment options available that are specifically designed for women suffering from NVP," said Wesley Mark Todd, MD, Senior Director Medical Affairs, Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc. "The survey results indicate that the top strategies identified by nurse practitioners are in alignment with recommendations put forth by The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). ACOG recommends vitamin B6 as a first-line approach for nausea and vomiting, and suggests ginger as a non-drug option."   

Other key findings of the nurse practitioners' assessment include:

• The majority of NPs (76%) believe that NVP poses a moderate-to-severe problem for their patients.
• 70% of the respondents were unaware of the term NVP – a definition that reflects the fact that NVP can occur at any time throughout the day as opposed to the traditional "morning sickness."
• More than half (56%) of NPs reported that the average NVP patient contacts their practice 3 times or more for help with their symptoms during the course of her pregnancy.
• During the past 12 months, nearly one-quarter of the NPs reported that all of their patients suffering from NVP were treated with dietary and/or lifestyle changes. 
• Nearly 80% of NPs agree that ginger/B-vitamins as a component of a prenatal supplement may help ease NVP symptoms.
• According to the survey, nurse practitioners most often recommend vitamin B6 (84%), ginger (81%) and ondansetron (79%) for patients being treated for NVP.