Hyperemesis Gravidarum: How It Affects Pregnant Women

For most pregnant women, undergoing some degree of nausea or morning sickness is quite common. Usually, it occurs during the first 3 months of pregnancy. The exact cause of Hyperemesis Gravidarum is not known. Although mild morning sickness is usual during pregnancy. Hyperemesis Gravidarum is not so common and can be very severe. Women who face this condition usually get extremely nauseous during pregnancy. It can be so severe that it can result in a loss of more than 5% of body weight.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum can occur in any pregnancy. But it is more likely if you are pregnant with twins or multiple babies. A similar problem in a previous pregnancy or affinity to motion sickness may further put you at a higher risk of developing this condition.

Symptoms of Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Usually, morning sickness is behind decreased appetite in pregnant women. This comes along with low levels of nausea or vomiting. However, you will still be able to eat and drink food at most times of the day. And it will mostly be without facing any major outcomes.

However, the symptoms of Hyperemesis Gravidarum can be very severe. Typically, they include the following:

· Severe and persistent nausea and vomiting during the pregnancy period

· Increased salivation in the mouth

· Noticeable weight loss

· Visible signs of dehydration, including darker urine, feeling of lightheadedness and weakness

· Constipated stomach

· Lacking in intake of enough fluids and nutritional foods

The condition is likely to occur during the first trimester of your pregnancy. Thus, usually, if you are vomiting more than 3 to 4 times in a day such that it is causing you to lose weight and become dehydrated, it might Hyperemesis Gravidarum Treatment.

Causes of Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Some doctors believe that the condition may result due to rapidly rising levels of estrogen and HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin). These are some of the top Hyperemesis Gravidarum Causes. The occurrence of the condition might be an indicator that you are carrying multiple babies. In rare cases, it can also indicate a hydatidiform mole, which is abnormal tissue growth and not a true pregnancy.

Risks Factors Associated With Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Risk factors can increase your chances of getting a condition such as this. They do not necessarily mean that you will always develop the condition due to that. Typical risk factors associated with Hyperemesis Gravidarum are as follows:

1. Presence of the condition during an earlier pregnancy

2. Being overweight

3. Presence of multiple pregnancies

4. Becoming a first-time mother

5. Trophoblastic disease, which involves the growth of abnormal cells inside the uterus

Diagnosis and Treatment For Hyperemesis Gravidarum

It is necessary to get a proper diagnosis for Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Usually, a healthcare provider will enquire about the symptoms of the condition and your medical history, before conducting a physical examination. In some cases, your doctor may ask you to take certain tests to help diagnose the condition.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum Treatment and management depend on the severity of the condition that you face. Here are some of the possible treatments that may be administered to you during this time.

Consuming small frequent meals your doctor may recommend a diet involving dry foods, consumed with small but frequent meals. You may be prescribed a variety of meals for this purpose.

Administering Intravenous Fluids intake is very important if you are facing Hyperemesis Gravidarum. If you continue to vomit throughout your pregnancy, your doctor may have to administer intravenous fluids to maintain your body fluids. In very severe cases, doctors may have to recommend hospitalization for the administration of IV fluids. It can only be stopped if you can consume fluids by mouth.

Total Parenteral Nutrition in the most severe cases of Hyperemesis Gravidarum, doctors may have to prescribe the administration of complex and balanced solutions of nutrients through IV. This process is called total parenteral nutrition.

Medicines

Constant vomiting can pose certain risks to the mother and the baby. A doctor may prescribe medicines if you are facing persistent vomiting. They may have to be consumed either orally or through an IV. A few useful and common medicines for this purpose are droperidol, Promethazine and meclizine.

Other than these methods of treatment, doctors may suggest preventive measures to help control motion sickness. You may have to consume certain oral supplements such as Vitamin B6 or ginger to control the frequency of vomiting.

Prevention of Hyperemesis Gravidarum

There is no known way to avoid Hyperemesis Gravidarum. If you are suffering from the condition, there are a few ways to control its intensity and stop it from getting worse.

Some of them are as follows:

• Consuming small but frequent meals
• Consuming bland foods
• Waiting for nausea to improve before consuming iron supplements
• Making use of a pressure point wristband to manage motion sickness
• Consuming Vitamin B6 and ginger if recommended by a doctor

Distinguishing Between Hyperemesis Gravidarum and Morning Sickness

Since the symptoms of Hyperemesis Gravidarum and morning sickness are quite similar, it can be difficult to identify which one of them you are facing. The following differences will be of help.

Conclusion

If you are facing the problem of Hyperemesis Gravidarum, it might be a good idea to consult your doctor at the earliest and take their recommended treatment. Give yourself enough rest and consume the requisite medicines. This will help to control the condition to avoid any fatality to your baby.