You can buy Ketostix at a local pharmacy without a prescription. These test her level of dehydration and starvation. If she has ketones in her urine (the test is positive), she will need to get fluids through an intravenous (IV) line at the doctor's office, ER, hospital, or an urgent care center. Ketones may be harmful to the baby and mom if not treated. If she has been vomiting for several weeks and eating very little, she will also need vitamins in her IV. Sometimes this is forgotten, so make sure you ask about it, as it is very important. B-vitamins are most critical as they are depleted rapidly by vomiting and lack of eating. Remember, dehydration and ketones worsen nausea and vomiting and need to be monitored closely.
Call her health professional if she experiences any of the following:
- Abdominal pain, bleeding, or cramping
Difficulty thinking or focusing
Difficulty walking or talking
Extreme fatigue and very low energy
Little if any food or fluids stay down for over 24 hours
Little saliva and a dry mouth
Moderate or severe headache and/or fever
Muscular weakness or severe cramping
Repeated vomiting or retching daily
Severe nausea that keeps you from eating/drinking
Shortness of breath or dizziness
Urination is infrequent (over 8 hours) and minimal amount
Urine is dark yellow and concentrated
Visual disturbances, or fainting
Vomit is red with blood or yellow with bile
Weight loss of 2 pounds (0.9 kg) or more in a week