Hyperemesis gravidarum
Hyperemesis
gravidarum is a condition characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, weight
loss, and electrolyte imbalance. Mild cases are treated with dietary changes,
rest, and antacids. More severe cases often require a hospital stay so that the
mother can receive intravenous fluids and nutrition. Do not take any medication
for this problem without first consulting your doctor.
Why is this happening to me?
Most pregnant women
suffer from some form of morning sickness (70-80%). Recent studies show that at
least 60,000 cases of severe morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum
(HG) are reported by those treated in the hospital, but this number is expected
to be much higher as many women are treated at home or outpatient with their
healthcare provider. doctor.
This severe nausea is
thought to be caused by elevated hormone levels; however, the absolute cause is
still unknown. Symptoms of HH usually appear between 4 and 6 weeks of gestation
and may peak between 9 and 13 weeks. Most women experience some relief between
weeks 14 and 20, although up to 20% of women may need hyperemesis treatment
during the rest of their pregnancy. There is no known prevention for
Hyperemesis gravidarum, but you can rest easy knowing that there are ways to
manage it.
Signs and symptoms of
hyperemesis gravidarum:
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Food aversions
- Weight loss of 5% or more of pre-pregnancy weight
- Decrease in urination
- Dehydration
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Fainting
- Jaundice
- Extreme fatigue
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Secondary anxiety/depression
What are the treatments for hyperemesis gravidarum?
In some cases,
hyperemesis gravidarum is so severe that hospitalization may be required.
Hospital treatment
may include some or all of the following:
Intravenous fluids -
to restore hydration, electrolytes, vitamins and nutrients
Probe feeding:
- Nasogastric - restores nutrients through a tube through the nose to
the stomach
- Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy - restores nutrients through a tube through
the abdominal cavity into the stomach; requires surgery
- Medications – metoclopramide, antihistamines and anti-reflux drugs*
Other treatments may
include:
- Bed rest
- this can bring comfort, but be careful and be aware of the consequences of
losing muscle and weight due to too much bed rest.
- Acupressure - The pressure point to reduce nausea is located in the
middle of the inside of the wrist, three fingers from the crease of the wrist
and between the two tendons. Find and firmly press one wrist at a time for
three minutes. Marine tapes also help with acupressure and can be found at your
local pharmacy.
- Herbs -
ginger or mint
Homeopathic remedies are a system of non-toxic medicines. Do not attempt to self-medicate with homeopathic methods; ask your doctor to prescribe the correct medication and dose.