Hypnotherapeutic Techniques in the Treatment of Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Abstract

Hyperemesis gravidarum is not an uncommon condition in the first trimester of pregnancy. In some of these patients, the condition is so severe that it causes the development of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. When that happens, the patient usually requires hospital treatment, which includes intravenous fluids and antiemetic medications. Obstetricians are very careful before prescribing any medications in the first trimester of pregnancy, making it necessary to consider methods of treatment that minimize the risk of medication side effects to both mother and baby. One such method is the use of hypnotherapy. In this paper, I describe five cases where hypnotherapy was successfully used with a variety of techniques to resolve the problem of hyperemesis. This is followed by a discussion regarding the most efficacious techniques and the type of patient that best responds to hypnotherapeutic interventions.