PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD TAKE MEDICATION FOR NAUSEA AND VOMITING
Speed and the choice of the safest drug are essential for the health of mother and baby
"For 1% of pregnant women, these symptoms develop into severe nausea and vomiting. This is what we call Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), a serious problem that needs to be treated properly. Pregnant women with hyperemesis may experience severe weight loss (more than 20% of their pre-gestational weight), dehydration and metabolic alterations, which lead to a worsening of their general condition and significant repercussions for both mother and fetus, requiring hospitalization," explains Dr. Cabral.
Women who experience moderate to severe nausea and vomiting, i.e. symptoms felt up to ten times a day, need treatment. In order to guide doctors correctly, the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations (FEBRASGO) has published new guidelines for NVG treatment. The document helps doctors by presenting new data, studies and the best treatment options.
Febrasgo's new guideline brings two main changes: the first deals with the importance of early intervention, because as they are considered normal symptoms of pregnancy, the issue is often not dealt with correctly. And this delay can cause permanent damage to the fetus, as there is a metabolic imbalance.
"Prompt treatment of GDV prevents serious and potentially irreversible situations from arising for the pregnant woman and her baby. Recent publications show that micronutrient deficiencies (minerals and vitamins) resulting from GVN can result in severe embryopathies and impaired neurodevelopment, as well as the emotional issues and trauma that a pregnancy with prolonged vomiting and nausea can cause mothers," says the UFMG professor.
The other change in the Federation's new guideline highlights ondansetron, which is now the first indication of drugs for the treatment of GVN, because in addition to its effectiveness and low incidence of side effects, it is the only active ingredient with studies proving that it does not interfere with the neurodevelopment of babies, according to the study by Larrimer et al.
"Using medication during pregnancy is a source of concern for mothers, and it should be, but in cases of GDV it is necessary, especially to protect the child. The drugs available are all safe from the point of view of teratogenesis, but ondansetron, in particular, has also been shown to be safe in terms of not interfering with the future neurodevelopment of the child exposed to it during pregnancy. This safety is one of the main reasons for its widespread use around the world," says Dr. Antonio Cabral.