1. A statement of the study problem, purpose, and specific aims.
Problem
Nausea and vomiting is a significant problem, which apparently affects seventy percent of pregnant women (O'Brien). Even though psychological factors may play a part in severity and duration (Abraham,S.), no support has been found for the theory that it is a psychosomatic condition, but rather a complex interaction of biological, psychological and sociocultural factors (Simpson, S. et al.).Management of nausea and vomiting is part of good antenatal care, but how can we improve our practice to reduce these uncomfortable, if not life threatening, symptoms in our patients?
Can specific antenatal counselling (offering education, information regarding treatments and services) and reassurance decrease the level of nausea and vomiting experienced by those women affected?
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