Women with hyperemesis were routinely admitted to hospital for their treatment which included use of anti-sickness preparation and correction of dehydration. This resulted in hospital stay of few days leading to disruption of family life and also an admission to emergency ward at Queen’s Medical Centre.
Impact
Pregnant women often had to take a long time off work which might have financial implications. Families were put under pressure as the pregnant mother was becoming increasingly sick and dehydrated. Mother and baby were both at risk of complications from dehydration and lack of nutrients.
Idea
Clinical teams at NUH have worked with GPs to develop new treatment guidelines to prevent overnight hospital admissions and get women the help they need before the condition worsens. The work has been supported by the charity, Pregnancy Sickness Support.
Benefits
With a new hydration suite patients can spend more time at home with family support, only needing hospital treatment for a few hours at a time as outpatients. Being treated before symptoms are severe reduces risk to mother and baby, leading to a happier, healthier pregnancy.
Shilpa Deb, Lead Consultant for Emergency Gynaecology
For more information contact [email protected]