Severe Dehydration During Pregnancy: Risks and Concerns

Question
I'm so concerned about my friend.  She has been severly dehydrated during her pregnancy.  She has been hospitalized at least 4 times for it and will stay for 4 days.  She becomes dehydrated from vomitting, which she says is caused by terrible back pain.  She is in her 5th month and is in the hospital today.  I'm concerned with what kind of effect this dehydration can have on the baby.  

Answer
Hello Rachael- yes, this can have an effect on the baby. If there is a chronic lack of amniotic fluid around the baby, deformities of the feet, legs and arms can occur due to the baby laying against the uterus- it is supposed to float in amniotic fluid. There ARE medications she can take for this chronic nausea- ask her if her dr. has ordered them for her and IS she TAKING them every day? They will NOT harm the baby. She should also be seeing a chiropractor- that can be very helpful. She might also get good help from consulting an independantly practicing midwife- they often have lots of good ideas about vomitting during pregnancy. The back pain CAUSING the vomitting does NOT make sense- unless she is having gall bladder problems which often shows up as back pain. I wonder if she needs to see another dr? Hope that helps- Cheri.