All You Need To Know About Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Most women experience vomiting and nausea especially during the first trimester of pregnancy and that’s what they dislike about pregnancy, which otherwise is a beautiful experience

Morning sickness is most common during pregnancy. Although uncomfortable, it goes away within 12 weeks. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is an extreme form of morning sickness and causes severe nausea and vomiting.

Expecting mums with hyperemesis gravidarum have extreme nausea and vomiting. It can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalances as well.

Here’s everything you should know about hyperemesis gravidarum.

Causes of Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Although the exact cause of hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy is not known, it is believed that such a condition might be caused by a rapidly rising blood level of a hormone, called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG).

Trophoblastic disease can also cause such a condition. It occurs when there’s an abnormal growth of cells inside the uterus.

Signs of Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Some of the signs of hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy are:

• Loss of appetite
• Increase in heart rate
• Constant feeling of nausea
• Vomiting for more than four times a day
• Dehydrated
• Losing more than 10 pounds or 5 percent of your body weight due to nausea or vomiting
• Feeling dizzy or light-headedness leading to fainting episodes

Who Is At An Increased Risk for Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

Some of the factors that could increase the risk of getting HG are:

• Having a history of HG in your family
• Being overweight
• Carrying more than one baby
• Being a first-time mum

Diagnosis of Hyperemesis Gravidarum

The doctor might ask you about the symptoms, take a look at the medical history and perform a physical exam.

The doctor would also look for common signs of HG, such as abnormally low blood pressure or a fast pulse.

Blood and urine samples might be necessary to check for signs of dehydration.

Other additional tests might also be prescribed to figure out gastrointestinal problems as a cause of your nausea or vomiting.

How Is Hyperemesis Gravidarum Treated?

Some of the possible treatments of HG might include:

• Preventive measures: A pressure-point wristband (similar to those used for motion sickness) and consuming Vitamin B6 tablets (after consulting a doctor) will be helpful.

• Small frequent meals: Try to eat at small intervals. Keep a snack handy.

• Intravenous fluids: Intravenous (IV) fluids might be needed in severe cases. The woman might be hospitalised and given IV fluids.

• Total parenteral nutrition (TPN): The most severe cases of hyperemesis gravidarum might require complex, balanced solutions of nutrients through an IV throughout pregnancy. This is called total parenteral nutrition.

• Medicines: Medication is necessary if the condition is a threat to the mother or child. The most commonly used anti-nausea drugs prescribed by the doctors are promethazine, meclizine, and droperidol.

The good news is that the symptoms of HG disappear after delivery. Every woman has a unique pregnancy journey even though the changing hormones play havoc sometimes, being a mum overshadows all of it. Cheers to motherhood!