By: Nikki Nies
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is severe nausea and vomiting that may occur during pregnancy. It can prevent less than optimal intake of food and fluids, leading to metabolic imbalances, electrolyte disturbance,difficulty completing daily tasks,food aversions, nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, production of ketones and/or loss of greater than 5% of pre-pregnancy weight.
HG can last anywhere from only the first trimester to the whole pregnancy. Complications of vomiting, such as gastric ulcers, malnutrition or esophageal bleeding can lead to increased HG.
Unfortunately, research has not found a definitive reason for HG’s occurance, with the likelihood that it is caused by multiple factors. Yet, the diagnosis of HG can be found by measuring weight loss, checking for ketones and overall feeling of mother.
Treatment of HG:
With mild cases of HG, it can be treated with antacids, medications and rest. In more severe cases, a hospital stay may be required to entail the mother receives adequate amount of fluids through an IV.
Now you may be wondering what the difference is between morning sickness and HG is:
|
Morning sickness |
Hyperemesis Gravidarum |
| Nausea sometimes accompanied by vomiting | Nausea accompanied by severe vomiting |
| Nausea that subsides at 12 weeks or soon after | Nausea that doesn’t subside |
| Vomiting that doesn’t cause severe dehydration | Vomiting that causes severe dehydration |
| Vomiting that allows you to keep some food down | Vomiting that doesn’t allow you to keep any food down |
While you can’t control the onset of HG through one’s pregnancy, it can be manageable. Just think, the problems that accompany HG will last at most 9 months, but the birth of a loved one will be for a lifetime!
Sources: http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/hyperemesisgravidarum.html
wedishnutrition.wordpress.com 