What is the main cause of hyperemesis gravidarum? Is it a high-risk pregnancy? What is the best treatment for severe morning sickness?
Think morning sickness is the worst possible thing that you can experience while pregnant? Well, some women can do worse. Let’s talk about hyperemesis gravidarum.
Nausea and vomiting are just one of the few downsides to pregnancy. Most women eventually ease well into it. But, if you experience a much more intense kind of morning sickness, you just might feel pregnancy is not for you.
Well, fret not, because should you get (or are already having) intense morning sickness, it is not a sign that you’re not ready for motherhood. That’s hyperemesis gravidarum.
Less than 3 per cent of women experience it, so it’s not common (meaning you might not even have it. But, it’s good to find out more about it just in case).
You’ll know you have it when it feels more intense than the type of morning sickness you’ve seen on TV. Expect that it’s going to look a lot less glamorous too.
Essentially, hyperemesis gravidarum makes you vomit more than 3 or 4 times a day. Horrible, yes. But, fortunately, there are treatments available. To find out more about hyperemesis gravidarum, read on.
What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum
This is the medical term for severe and persistent vomiting and nausea in pregnant women. About 3 per cent of pregnant women in the world experience it. The reason this condition is a big concern is that it can cause dehydration and weight loss in pregnant women.
Women with this condition can lose up to 5 per cent of their body weight, which is a challenge when you’re eating for two.
Regular morning sickness can last up to the 14th to 16th week of pregnancy. But if you have hyperemesis gravidarum, Syou can feel the queasiness up to the 20th week; some even experience it during their entire pregnancy.
Hyperemesis gravidarum symptoms are so intense that women are unable to do their typical day-to-day activities without vomiting. So, the more you know about hyperemesis gravidarum, the better.
What Causes Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Now, you know how intense it is, you might be thinking about how you can avoid it. The first question that many women with this condition ask is if it’s hereditary. Because if it is, then avoiding the condition at all seems a pretty long shot.
While there is no definite way to prevent it, understanding its causes can help manage the condition and ease the discomfort. Let’s dive into what leads to hyperemesis gravidarum:
Hormonal Surge
Hyperemesis gravidarum is closely linked to the surge of certain hormones during pregnancy. The condition is triggered by the rapid rise of serum levels of hormones, particularly human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and estrogen. These hormonal fluctuations can contribute to severe nausea and vomiting in affected women.
Multiple Pregnancy or Hydatidiform Mole
In some cases, hyperemesis gravidarum may be a sign that you are carrying more than one baby (twins, triplets, etc.) or that you have a hydatidiform mole. A hydatidiform mole is a rare type of tumour that can develop during pregnancy. These conditions can potentially exacerbate the symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum.
Who Is At Risk for HG
Here are some factors that may increase a person’s likelihood of developing this hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy.
- Women in their first pregnancy.
- Pregnant individuals with a history of hyperemesis gravidarum in previous pregnancies.
- Women carrying multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.).
- Individuals with a family history of hyperemesis gravidarum.
- Pregnant women with trophoblastic disorders.
- Those with preexisting hyperthyroid disorders.
- Women who are obese.
- Individuals with a history of psychiatric illness.
- Pregnant individuals with a history of molar pregnancy.
- Those with preexisting gastrointestinal disorders.
Signs You Have Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Image Source: iStock
Hyperemesis gravidarum is an extreme form of morning sickness that causes severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It is important to recognise the signs of this condition to seek timely medical attention. Here are some common signs to watch out for:
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Persistent and severe nausea that doesn’t subside after the first trimester.
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Frequent and excessive vomiting, leading to dehydration.
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Inability to keep any food or fluids down.
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Rapid weight loss due to persistent vomiting.
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Feeling lightheaded or dizzy due to dehydration.
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Fatigue that lasts for weeks or months.
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Signs of electrolyte imbalances, such as weakness and muscle cramps.
If you experience these symptoms during pregnancy, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider promptly.
Morning Sickness vs Hyperemesis Gravidarum
In a nutshell, here’s how you can differentiate a regular case of morning sickness over HG:
|
|---|
| |
Morning Sickness |
Hyperemesis Gravidarum |
| Possible Causes |
Linked to hormonal changes during pregnancy, particularly the rise of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen. |
Thought to be related to the surge of hormones, especially hCG, during early pregnancy, but the exact cause is not fully understood. |
| Duration |
Typically starts in the first month of pregnancy and may last until the third or fourth month. |
Symptoms usually begin within the first 6 weeks of pregnancy, and HG can last for weeks or months. Symptoms may come and go, requiring hospital treatment at times. |
| Symptoms |
– Nausea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting – Fatigue and slight loss of appetite
– Difficulty performing daily activities.
|
– Severe and persistent nausea
– Frequent and severe vomiting leading to dehydration – Inability to keep food or fluids down
– Fatigue lasting for extended periods – Inability to work or perform normal daily activities.
|
| Complications |
Generally harmless and does not cause severe dehydration. |
May lead to dehydration, poor weight gain during pregnancy, and in severe cases, a loss of more than 5 percent of body weight due to nausea or vomiting. |
| Occurrence |
Experienced by up to 90 per cent of pregnant women. |
Occurs in only about 0.5 to 2 per cent of pregnancies. |
| Treatment |
– Natural remedies like vitamin B6 or ginger may help alleviate symptoms.
– Eating smaller, more frequent meals and staying hydrated can be beneficial.
|
– Hospital treatment may be required to manage severe symptoms.
– Intravenous fluids and medication for nausea may be necessary.
|
| Prevention |
No known way to prevent morning sickness or HG, but managing symptoms is possible. |
Early treatment of morning sickness may lower the risk of developing HG. |
Possible Complications on Mum and Unborn Baby
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can lead to significant health challenges for both the mother and the unborn baby. Here are the possible complications that can arise due to HG:
Complications on Mum
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Malnutrition: Prolonged and severe vomiting can lead to inadequate nutrient intake, causing malnutrition and weight loss in the mother.
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Dehydration: Excessive vomiting can result in dehydration, leading to electrolyte imbalances and potential organ dysfunction.
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Wernicke’s Encephalopathy (WE): HG can cause a deficiency in vitamin B1 (thiamine), leading to a neurological condition called WE, which can be life-threatening.
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Electrolyte Disturbances: Frequent vomiting can disrupt the body’s electrolyte balance, leading to complications like hyponatremia (low sodium levels) and hypokalemia (low potassium levels).
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Stroke: In rare cases, HG can be associated with an increased risk of stroke, possibly due to dehydration and metabolic imbalances.
Image Source: iStock
Complications on Unborn Baby
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Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR): Severe and prolonged maternal malnutrition and dehydration can result in restricted fetal growth, leading to IUGR.
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Premature Birth: HG may increase the risk of preterm labour and premature birth, which can lead to various health challenges for the baby.
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Low Birth Weight: Babies born to mothers with HG are at risk of having low birth weight due to inadequate maternal nutrition during pregnancy.
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Foetal Distress: In severe cases, the stress on the mother’s body and the impact of dehydration on the placenta can lead to foetal distress.
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Birth Defects: While the evidence is limited, some studies suggest a potential association between HG and certain birth defects, although more research is needed to establish a direct link.
It’s essential for pregnant women experiencing severe nausea and vomiting to seek medical attention promptly. Proper management and treatment can help minimise the risks of complications for both the mother and the baby.
Treatment for Hyperemesis Gravidarum
We hate to break it to you, Mum, but there is no known treatment or prevention of Hyperemesis gravidarum. However, you can take comfort in knowing that there are ways to manage it.
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Lessen the portions, increase the frequency
When you have this condition, you can think of your stomach as a second-grader who is easily angered by the littlest push. So, as not to trigger your hyperemesis gravidarum, eat smaller portions of food and drink smaller amounts of fluids.
But, we don’t want you to get dehydrated, so smaller portions at increased frequency. So, if you were used to eating three big meals the entire day, change that to 5 small meals instead.
Your intense morning sickness is going to take a lot of your energy. So, the best you could do to prepare for it and not lose 100 per cent of your energy is to sleep more. Get into a comfortable position and plenty of rest, because all of that vomiting is going to take a massive blow.
Image Source: iStock
One way or another, that nausea and vomiting are triggered by something. Whether it’s the garlic sauteing in a pan, the sight of raw chicken, or smelling your husband’s perfume that you used to love, avoid them. You won’t get used to the triggers. Instead, they might just worsen your symptoms.
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Drink your nutritional supplements
You can imagine pregnancy as a very literal long and intense drive to an extremely faraway place when you have hyperemesis gravidarum. So, since you know how long the ride is, you have to prepare for extremely long motion sickness as well.
Most doctors will prescribe you vitamin B6 or Pyridoxine. This vitamin can help overcome your nausea. You ought to take only the recommended dosage; otherwise, you can damage your nerves.
As for your vomiting, take more vitamin B1 or Thiamine.
Now, this solution is for women who got the morning sickness so bad that they cannot take fluids by mouth. And, it’s crucial for pregnant women to be hydrated. So, the next best thing is IV fluids. Ask your doctor if you would need this option to ensure your health and that of your unborn baby.
Once you regain your ability to take fluids by mouth, your doctor can wean you off the IV fluids.
What to Eat for Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Small, frequent meals are going to be your best friend once you find out you have hyperemesis gravidarum. If you’re not used to them, here are some suggestions you can try:
Kale is rich in B vitamins, so this salad would really go well with your intense morning sickness. Add some balsamic vinaigrette, dried cranberries, and almonds, and this salad is good to go.
Dry foods that are high in starch content are super helpful in relieving a queasy stomach. So, make sure to have some on hand wherever you go. Saving some on your nightstand or inside your bag would really help during times you feel extra nauseous.
Ginger can do wonders for you if you have intense morning sickness. It helps relieve both nausea and vomiting. Try different ginger products – ginger tea, gingersnap cookies, and even some ginger candy. You can also try mixing ginger powder in your drinks or your food.
Image source: iStock
Now, this is a yummy, light snack that is packed with nutrients. It helps restore your potassium when you lose many of it after vomiting. The starch in this delightful fruit can also help you with diarrhea.
It is literally the breath of fresh air you need after extreme nausea and vomiting. Either chew it whole or infuse it in tea.
Of course, the most natural medicine of all is water. You can never go wrong with water. Not only do you stay hydrated (which is the first negative side effect of hyperemesis gravidarum) but it also relieves headaches that come with nausea. But, again, small amounts only. Drinking too much water can also worsen your nausea.
When to Go to the Hospital
If you see any of these signs, you might need to contact your physician right away and make your way to the emergency room:
- Dehydration
- Struggle to take in fluids for more than 12 hours
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Abdominal pain
- Immediate drop in weight (more than 5 pounds of weight loss)
- Blood in the vomit
Otherwise, you can continue to eat in small amounts and more frequent intervals, take your vitamins, and rest well to help relieve the symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum.
So, you see, this disorder is manageable. It’s going to be an adjustment for sure. But, once you get the hang of it, you can just hang tight and wait until that bundle of joy arrives. Then, all of those sacrifices you made will be worth it.
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.
