Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of nausea and vomiting caused by pregnancy. It can be extremely debilitating and may affect a woman’s ability to work or perform normal activities.
Most women experience some sort of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. This can happen at any time of day and for many women goes away by the end of their second trimester.
Morning sickness, which is also known as nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP), is a common problem that occurs in about eight out of 10 pregnant women. Unlike other forms of nausea and vomiting, which can lead to problems such as weight loss, morning sickness does not cause harm to you or your baby.
Treatment of morning sickness usually involves changing your diet, taking over the counter medications, and resting. However, if symptoms become worse or aren’t relieved by these methods, prescription medications can be given.
The cause of hyperemesis gravidarum isn’t known. Most experts think it has something to do with the rising hormone levels that occur during pregnancy. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced by your body, increases in large amounts early in pregnancy and peak around 10 weeks.
Other hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can also play a role in causing the symptoms of HG. Some people are more susceptible to HG than others.
If you’re worried about your symptoms, talk to your doctor or midwife. They will be able to provide you with the information and support that you need.
Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and do a physical exam. They will also check for other causes of your symptoms.
You’ll need to take a blood test to check for dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. Other tests might be done if you have other health conditions such as liver or kidney disease.
The doctor will also check your weight to see if you have lost too much weight, which is a common symptom of HG. If you are losing too much weight, your doctor will need to monitor how you are feeling and check that you are still getting enough food.
If you have a history of motion sickness or migraine headaches, your doctor will take special care to ensure that you don’t have a medical condition that could be causing your symptoms. They will also check to make sure you aren’t having a problem with your uterus, which can be another cause of your symptoms.
What are the most common symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum?
The most common symptoms of HG are severe nausea and vomiting, severe weight loss, and electrolyte imbalance. These symptoms need to be treated quickly before they can become serious.
Your doctor will be able to give you advice on how to treat your symptoms and will make sure that you are getting enough fluids, vitamins, and nutrients. They will also check for other complications of HG, such as dehydration or low birth weight.
If you have a family history of HG or other serious illnesses, ask your doctor about getting some counseling help. They can refer you to organizations or individuals that can offer emotional support. Having support from friends and loved ones can help you feel better about your illness and give you a sense of control over your situation.
