Evidence-Based Approaches to Managing Nausea and Vomiting in Early Pregnancy

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is a continuum that ranges from mild discomfort to significant morbidity. Systematic assessment with the use of the Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis/Nausea (PUQE) index and timely treatment using evidence-based protocols can decrease the time that many women spend using treatment recommendations that are inadequate. This article reviews the epidemiology of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, use of the PUQE index, and the evidence for specific nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment regimens. A protocol for clinical management is presented.