Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a pregnancy complication experienced by roughly 2-5% of all pregnant women. HG is characterized by severe nausea and excessive vomiting. The causes of the complication are not fully known, yet they are thought to be related to hormone levels and maternal genes.
Symptoms And Effects Of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Hyperemesis Gravidarum is often confused with morning sickness – the common term for the typical nausea and vomiting apparent in the first months of pregnancy. While the latter is very common and affects up to 80% of all pregnant women, HG is relatively rare, thus handling it requires more thorough monitoring and treatment.
Symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum begin early in the pregnancy, usually around weeks 4-7. The good news is that it often improves after the first trimester, or around week 20. However, the duration of the HG may vary among women. There are many cases in which symptoms persist in full force until the end of the pregnancy, and remain even up to several weeks after the birth. Some women actually develop chronic nausea which lasts months after the pregnancy, although not as severe as the nausea they experienced during pregnancy.
The main symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum include intense nausea and vomiting. While the nausea itself is unpleasant, it is not dangerous on its own. Nevertheless, the severe nausea associated with HG can make eating and drinking difficult and often impossible. This may lead to dehydration, malnourishment and weight loss. These are life threatening to both the mother and the fetus.Moreover, continuous vomiting can cause throat injuries, and other unpleasant conditions which may require medical assistance.
In many cases, the symptoms of HG serve as an opening for more complications. For example, if a pregnant woman with hyperemesis gravidarum finds it hard to drink, it is likely she will become dehydrated during her pregnancy. Dehydration, in its turn, may trigger premature contractions or labor. Other long-term complications may include kidney or liver damage.
How Can You Know If You Have Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
If a pregnant woman experiences intense nausea and vomiting with no relief for days, she might suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum.
If you believe you have HG, consult a doctor as soon as you can, preferably one that specializes in high risk pregnancy. Do not linger with consulting with such an expert. You may be dehydrated by now, and at risk of other dangers HG can lead to.
The doctor will perform a general health check as well as a dehydration assessment by taking urine and blood samples from the patient. In addition, the patient will have to fill a questionnaire on the symptoms.
How to Treat Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
While there is still no definite cure for HG, the symptoms themselves can be treated and diminished. Pregnant women with hyperemesis who are unable to consume fluids will be treated with IV – intravenous hydration (injection of fluids into the vein). In addition, they will be given nutritional support (vitamins) and anti-emetic medication to help reduce nausea and vomiting. In many cases, hospitalization may be deemed as necessary by the doctor.
Silver Lining: You Can Overcome Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Although it may be distressing, most women completely recover from HG and give birth to healthy babies. With this in mind, it is important not to underestimate the dangers of HG, and immediately attend an emergency room if there is even the slightest chance of dehydration. Moreover, it is crucial to be under the supervision of a doctor who specializes in high-risk pregnancies in order to receive proper treatment.
For more information about hyperemesis gravidarum and how to live with it, read our free family guide: So Your Misses Got Hyperemesis (Gravidarum).