Hyperemesis Gravidarum Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, Complications, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Hyperemesis Gravidarum ?

Hyperemesis gravidarum, the medical term is marked by intense nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Clearly, this persistent condition can result in dehydration and weight loss. Hyperemesis gravidarum is the severe form of morning sickness (nausea).

What Are The Symptoms Of Hyperemesis Gravidarum ?

Symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum include:

• Fainting or lightheadedness.
• Extreme, persistent nausea in pregnancy, particularly in the first three months of conception.
• Weight loss.

What Causes Hyperemesis Gravidarum ?

What actually causes the condition is yet to be known, though, hormonal changes of conception may contribute. It is believed that nausea in pregnancy occurs because of the increasing blood level of human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone released by placenta.

At times, continuous or intense nausea can be triggered by a causal health condition, and not due to pregnancy, say liver or thyroid disease.  Around 55-60% of pregnant women experience slight to severe form of nausea. It is particularly common in the initial three months of conception, though, for some, the condition persists for their entire phases of pregnancy.

What Are The Risk Factors Of Hyperemesis Gravidarum ?

The condition can affect any pregnant women, though; it is expected to occur in case:

• You had morning sickness in your last pregnancy.
• You have conceived twins.
• Specific smells, migraines or motion sickness used to make you nauseous before getting pregnant.

Can Hyperemesis Gravidarum Lead To Any Complication ?

Excessive vomiting can cause harm, as it results in dehydration plus, it may avert you to gain healthy weight during your pregnancy. Hyperemesis gravidarum can also lead to psychological or social distress, thus, after being diagnosed with it, treatment becomes mandatory, to avoid any complication. It is important to have complete bed rest and avoid sexual intercourse for the time being.

How Is Hyperemesis Gravidarum Diagnosis ?

Normally, its diagnosis relies upon the symptoms of the patient. In case of being suspected with hyperemesis gravidarum, the doctor can suggest some blood and urine tests. In addition to this, an ultrasound can also be carried out in order to identify any causal condition leading to nausea, whilst to find out the number of conceived fetuses.

How Is Hyperemesis Gravidarum Treatment ?

Dry foods, ginger ale and frequent, small meals can help ease mild nausea. Besides, drink more and more fluids. For mild instances of the condition, treatment is not needed. Though, if the signs of morning sickness tend to continue, the doctor would possibly prescribe:

• Antihistamines.
• Supplements of vitamins B-6.
• Anti-nausea drugs.

In case the patient is suffering from intense morning sickness, then the health care provider would consider medication for treating it. For example, doxylamine in combination with pyridoxine is approved for treating morning sickness. The medicine can source drowsiness, thus, one must avert activities which need mental alertness while taking it, for example driving. In case of hyperemesis gravidarum, the patient need emergency trip to the hospital, wherein anti-nausea drugs and intravenous fluids are given for treating the condition.

By : Natural Health News