Being pregnant comes with a myriad of feelings — excitement, nervousness, and even fear. But, ultimately, you’re looking forward to meeting your bundle of joy. While there are many positives to being pregnant, there are also symptoms like morning sickness that can make the experience a challenge. Morning sickness isn’t abnormal for pregnant women. But, when it’s severe, dehydration can be detrimental for you and the baby. Fortunately, infusion therapy can safely rehydrate you.
What is infusion therapy?
Infusion therapy administers medication to patients who can’t be treated orally — either because it’s impossible or impractical. The medication is stored in an infusion pump, and gravity drips it down a catheter attached to a syringe. The syringe is inserted directly into your bloodstream and secured with medical tape. Infusion treatment is relatively quick, but the length depends on the medication being administered.
What to Expect
Infusion therapy can take place in a hospital or an infusion facility — like Infusion Associates. While there are pros and cons to receiving treatment in both locations, infusion facilities are typically cheaper and more comfortable than hospitals. Your doctor can refer you to one, or you can schedule an appointment yourself after talking to your doctor about infusion therapy as an option.
When arriving for your appointment, a professional and personable staff member will run through the side effects of your treatment and answer any questions you may have. You’ll be treated to a comfortable and welcoming environment — including recliner chairs, free Wi-Fi, hot drinks, heater blankets, pillow, and more. And, you don’t have to get treatment alone. You can request a private room and bring your family or loved ones with you for support.
How Infusion Therapy Works
IV therapy is often used for dehydration, hangovers, or sickness, to help flush out toxins and restore hydration — putting you on the fast track to recovery. While infusion therapy provides treatments for everything from minor illnesses like the flu to life-threatening conditions like Crohn’s disease. It’s most commonly used for:
- Dehydration caused by vomiting, pregnancy, or other applicable medical conditions
- Autoimmune disorders – including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis
- Neurological disorders – including multiple sclerosis and ALS
- Enzyme deficiencies or genetic disorders – including Pompe disease, Gaucher disease, and Fabry disease
- Immune deficiencies
- Osteoporosis, bone disorders, or hypercalcemia
- Iron deficiency or anemia
- Anemia of chronic kidney disease
- Asthma
- Infections – including cellulitis, bacteremia, osteomyelitis, UTI, pneumonia, MRSA, and other bacterial, fungal, or viral infections
IV Therapy for Severe Morning Sickness During Pregnancy
Morning sickness is a common pregnancy symptom in the first trimester — beginning around the sixth week but disappearing by week 16 or 18. This is typically normal. But, morning sickness is considered severe when it persistently occurs several times throughout the day and causes the mother to lose weight or become dehydrated. Left untreated, it can interfere with the growth of the baby and the health of the mother.
Infusion therapy helps provide the vitamins, nutrients, and hydration you need to have a happy and healthy pregnancy. IV (intravenous) therapy is used to safely and quickly distribute vitamins and nutrients — including electrolytes — into your bloodstream. This helps reverse the effects of dehydration and gives your body the nutrients it needs to grow a tiny human. Your IV therapy can also include calcium or folic acid to help the baby thrive.
If Your Doctor Has Recommended IV Therapy, Let Infusion Associates Help You
At Infusion Associates, we provide medically-prescribed infusion therapy for patients with chronic conditions in a welcoming and friendly environment. Our team of healthcare professionals is fully committed to making the experience as comfortable as possible for you or your patients. We always inform patients of any potential side effects and answer all their questions before starting treatment. In addition, we have a Registered Pharmacist on-site to make the process as seamless as possible.
If you would like to refer a patient to us or want to inquire about the treatments we offer, you can contact us by calling us at (616) 954-0600 or filling out this form.