Hyperemesis Gravidarum: What Pregnant Women Should Know About It
Hyperemesis Gravidarum is the medical name for an insatiable, i.e. prolonged and excessive vomiting in pregnancy. This describes a complication that occurs in pregnant women and that can lead to a number of unpleasant symptoms.
There are some ailments that doctors consider normal pregnancy side effects. However, this is one of the most serious ailments.
In general, treating Hyperemesis Gravidarum is fairly straightforward. In many cases, people are prescribed bed rest along with a diet consisting of dry and soft food.
However, if the condition worsens, hospitalization may be necessary.
Therefore, medical specialists recommend that pregnant women suffering from the symptoms of this disease should seek medical advice – even if the causes seem to be known.
The main symptoms that characterize this condition are nausea , dizziness, weight loss, and an imbalance of electrolytes in the body.
Not all women with hyperemesis gravidarum will experience all of these symptoms. However, at least one of these symptoms will be noticeable.
How does Hyperemesis Gravidarum affect?
Studies have shown that between 70% and 80% of pregnant women experience at least one of these symptoms in the first few weeks of pregnancy. The symptoms can be particularly severe in the morning.
The known symptoms are therefore very common. Even so, hospitals handle a large number of urgent cases each year.
Hyperemesis gravidarum can become a serious problem for pregnant women. In particular, women with severe symptoms should urgently seek medical help.
In some cases, intravenous fluids may be necessary. In any case, pregnant women should always speak to a doctor before taking any medication.
Severe nausea indicates an increase in hormone levels. Recent studies show that vomiting during pregnancy can serve to protect the fetus from potentially harmful foods.
Nausea usually occurs after about four to six weeks of pregnancy. Generally, she lays up by the 13th week of pregnancy.
For most women, it is normal for symptoms such as nausea and vomiting to subside at the beginning of the second trimester.
However, about 20% of pregnant women require medical treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum.
While there is no cure for this complication, certain lifestyle changes can help alleviate symptoms.
How to recognize Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Hyperemesis Gravidarum is different from a typical attack of morning sickness. The following symptoms can help differentiate the two types of nausea:
- The nausea is always accompanied by violent vomiting, unlike in other cases of morning sickness, in which the uncomfortable feeling can go away on its own.
- If hyperemesis gravidarum is the cause of the nausea, it doesn’t always go away after the 12th week of pregnancy.
- The symptoms can lead to extreme dehydration.
- Unlike normal morning sickness, Hyperemesis Gravidarum results in an inability to retain food in the stomach. This rarely happens in cases of morning sickness.
- Women with hyperemesis gravidarum may develop an aversion to certain types of foods.
- Fainting.
- Increased pulse.
- Weight loss of at least 5% of body weight.
- Urinating infrequently.
- Episodes of anxiety, depression, extreme fatigue, and confusion.
- Low blood pressure.
- In some cases, jaundice can occur.
Treatment of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Expectant mothers with hyperemesis gravidarum often have to stay in the hospital as an inpatient. The treatment protocol for this disease includes the following:
- An intravenous administration of fluids. This includes vitamins, nutrients, and electrolytes that the body needs.
- The patient could have a (defined by the nose) nasogastric probe or be fed through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (which leads through the abdomen into the stomach).
- Doctors might prescribe antacids or antihistamines.
Other less orthodox treatment options may include acupressure, hypnosis, and herbal remedies.
It is important that you consult your doctor before trying any of these alternative remedies. Above all, specialists advise all future mothers never to self-medicate and seek medical advice.
