The Effect of Acid-Reducing Pharmacotherapy on the Severity of Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy

Abstract

Background . Heartburn and acid reflux (HB/RF) are associated with increased severity of nausea and vomiting. The ability of acid-reducing drugs to reduce symptoms of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy has not been previously tested. Objective . To determine whether acid-reducing pharmacotherapy decreases the severity of NVP symptoms. Methods . We studied a cohort of women experiencing NVP, who were also experiencing HB/RF. Women were counseled to commence acid-reducing pharmacotherapy. The effectiveness of the acid-reducing medication in decreasing symptoms of both HB/RF and NVP was measured. Results . Acid-reducing drugs resulted in significant decreases in PUQE ( 9.6±3.0 to 6.5±2.5 , P