Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Hyperemesis Gravidarum






Hyperemesis gravidarum is the condition of dehydration resulting from continuous vomiting during the stage of pregnancy. Not all the pregnant women will have nausea each day and it would get settled at the end of first trimester for most of the women. But for some women, the vomiting sensation will continue till the end of pregnancy that may result in dehydration or loss of body fluids.

Causes :

Morning sickness is the major cause for hyperemesis gravidarum. It is normal to vomit each day in the morning due to the hormone secretion of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin HCG. Sometimes, the hormone level will increase tremendously in blood causing repeated vomiting and nausea. This is more particular for women who are carrying twin zygotes inside her womb. Women who have hydatiform mole have more chances of getting vomiting than other pregnant women.

Symptoms :

Some of the common signs of hyperemesis gravidarum are nausea and vomiting that does not get settled by any treatment. Some women will experience Weight Loss due to continuous dehydration. There may be experience of fainting due to loss of consciousness and lightheadedness in some women.

Diagnoses :

Your doctor will examine your Blood Pressure and body condition by checking the pulse and heart beat. He may also do urine ketone test and hematocrit to assess the hormone level in blood.

In case of severe vomiting, he may also do routine gastrointestinal scan to rule out any abnormality in the liver and intestine.

Pictures of Hyperemesis Gravidarum :

Images, pics, Pictures and Photos of Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Treatment :

Plenty of home remedies are available to manage vomiting during pregnancy. Morning sickness is quite a normal problem faced by pregnant women and you can avoid this by taking few ounces of ginger/lemon juice in empty stomach. To avoid the condition of hyperemesis gravidarum you need to stay hydrated by taking plenty of fluids daily.

Make sure that you are taking small meals frequently instead of eating hefty meal thrice. Do not leave your stomach empty for more than two hours. Keep eating fresh fruits and vegetables which will reduce the acidity formation in your stomach.

Increase the fluid intake instead of eating solid foods which will reduce the chance of vomiting. You can substitute ginger ale or seltzer in the place of coffee or tea. You can also take up to 100 mg of vitamin B6 daily which has the tendency to reduce nausea or vomiting.

In case of repeated vomiting, you need to consult your doctor who may prescribe some medicines to arrest vomiting. In more severe cases of hyperemesis gravidarum you will be put on intravenous fluids IV for keeping the hydration level stabilized.

Never make you exposed to any foodstuff that induces nausea. For some women smelling certain food items can trigger vomiting sensation during pregnancy. Avoid such situations particularly in the morning. It is up to you to manage vomiting to keep your body at optimal hydration level. Mostly vomiting will gradually reduce and stop once you reach second trimester of pregnancy. You need to identify the exact cause of vomiting to avoid them completely, since repeated vomiting may cause complications to the health condition of the infant.

You can practice yoga or some aerobic exercise daily to reduce the stress level. Taking emotions to your heart will cause developmental abnormality to the growing child and hence avoid quarreling with your partner when you are pregnant.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Diet

Hyperemesis Gravidarum – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Diet

What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

This is a severe condition categorized by vomiting, severe nausea, and Weight Loss as well as electrolyte imbalance. Cases that are mild are usually treated with rest, dietary changes as well as antacids. Severe cases where the women experience dehydration, vitamin and mineral deficit as well as the loss of greater than 5% of original body weight usually require a hospital stay so that the prospective mother may receive nutrition and fluids thru an IV line. It is important to remember that NO MEDICATIONS be taken to resolve this condition without the advice of the medical provider.

This condition can be referred to as HEG. Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy is referred to as NVP and is widely known as morning sickness. Many researchers believe the NVP needs to be classified as a continuum of symptoms that can impact an affected woman’s mental, physical and social wellbeing to varying degrees. HEG represents the severe end of this continuum.

It is estimated that approximately 70% to 85% of pregnant women are affected with some form of NVP while pregnant, but only 1.5% to 2% suffer from HEG. HEG is most common in pregnant women who are very young or women who have had multiple pregnancies in a very short period of time.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum Symptoms

The symptoms of HEG are usually at their highest at eight to twelve weeks of the pregnancy. They should usually get better by the 16th week.

The major symptoms of HEG are long-lasting and severe nausea and vomiting. Other collective symptoms consist of:

• Ptyalism – excess production of saliva


• Fatigue


• Weight loss


• Fainting – known as Syncope


• Lightheadedness


• Frequent urination


• Weakness


• Palpitations


• Headaches

The following can also be observed in some women with HEG:

• No appetite


• Severe dehydration


• Jaundice


• Concentration that decreases


• Depression and acute situational anxiety


• Generalized anxiety disorder


• Panic disorder


• Post-traumatic stress disorder


• Obsessive compulsive disorders


• Mood changes


• Irritability


• Sleeping problems


• Sensitivity to smells which is extreme


• Sense of taste which is impaired

Hyperemesis Gravidarum Causes

The exact reason that HEG occurs is not currently known. But some theories maintain that there are several risk factors that could be the cause of HEG. These factors include:

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• Emotional changes causing anxiety and stress


• Hormonal changes such as increase of progesterone, estrogen, and beta HCG or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin


• Deficiency of nutrients


• Digestive tract dysmotility for instance food not moving smoothly thru digestive tract


• Women with history of prior pregnancy with HEG


• Bacteria known as Helicobactor pyloria


• Genetic condition – family history of extreme morning sickness


• History of motion sickness


• Migraine headaches


• Diabetes diagnosed prior to pregnancy


• Hyperthyroidism


• Pyridoxine deficiency which is a form of vitamin B6

HEG is known to be linked with the following:

• Carrying a fetus that is female


• Multiple gestation – more than one fetus


• Rare chromosomal disorder known as triploidy


• Down syndrome


• Prior or current molar pregnancy


• Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the fetus

But it needs to be noted that the presence of HEG does not mean that the fetus has any of the above conditions.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum Treatment

Before the techniques of intravenous IV were available, HEG was a leading cause of maternal death due to dehydration’ but, death from HEG is extremely rare currently. Malnourishment and injuries can happen however, so a mother who believes she has HEG needs to notify her OBGYN about her symptoms. The physician will order some tests in order to rule out any other causes of the extreme vomiting. The doctor will then decide if the mother needs to be treated at home or in the hospital.

HEG hospitalization is the 2nd leading reason for hospitalization during pregnancy – the 1st being preterm labor. If the physician decides to put the mother in the hospital, she will be treated with IV fluids in order to restore the body’s fluid and level of electrolytes. If the mother is able to tolerate taking fluids by mouth without vomiting, she will mainly be placed on a clear liquid diet; including Jell-O, broth that is clear, fruit juices without pulp, tea, coffee and soda. Then gradually she will be re-introduced to solid foods.

If at home, the physician will advise changing the diet to one with more protein and complex carbohydrates, such as cheese and crackers, nuts, and milk. These foods should be eaten in small portions, several times thru out the day. Avoid eating fatty foods, drink lots of water and get as much rest as possible.

Medications that the physician may prescribe or recommend for severe HEG include:

• Antihistamines, which eases nausea and motion sickness


• Phenothiazine which helps ease nausea and vomiting


• Vitamin B6, which helps ease nausea – if unable to take orally the physician can give injections.


• Metoclopramide, which helps increase the rate the stomach moves food to the intestines


• Antacids, which absorb stomach acids and help prevent acid reflux.