History Taking

There are a range of questions to ask in order to ascertain the patients severity of symptoms, the potential causes outwith their pregnancy, and their risk of complications secondary to NVP/HG.

Pregnancy history

• How many weeks pregnant are they?
• Do they have a midwife and have they had their dating scan?
• Have they been pregnant previously?
• Is there any past history of NVP/HG? Did this require admission to hospital?
• Were there any particular antiemetics which worked well for them previously?

This current episode of NVP

• How long have they had symptoms?
• How frequently are they feeling nauseated?
• How frequently are they vomiting?
• Are they managing to eat and drink, and how much?
• How are their symptoms impacting their daily life?
• Have they noticed any weight loss?
• Are they passing urine?
• Are they managing to keep down any medications they are taking?

You must also consider the other causes of vomiting in pregnancy. For example, do they have abdominal pain, any urinary symptoms, have they had a fever?

Past medical history

• Does the patient have any conditions which could be worsened by dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or missed medication? e.g. diabetes, epilepsy
• Have they had any previous abdominal surgery? Particularly ask about C-Sections and gastric band procedures
• Do they take any regular medications? (dont forget recreational drugs, particularly cannabis)