What Is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
Finding out you're pregnant can be some of the best news ever. Having to hang your head over the toilet all day and not be able to eat anything, well, that's not such great news. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a condition where a pregnant woman vomits more frequently than usual. Many individuals assume this is part of a normal, healthy pregnancy, but as you'll see, there are a few distinguishing points of hyperemesis gravidarum that make it different from a typical pregnancy issue. This article will focus on the specific definition of hyperemesis gravidarum, what causes this condition, the signs to watch for, and some additional ways to manage symptoms.
Defining Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a medical condition only diagnosed during a woman's pregnancy and is related to vomiting. Many pregnant women experience episodes of vomiting, known as morning sickness that seems to linger all day. Hyperemesis gravidarum, however, is different in that the episodes are more frequent and can be more severe. A woman diagnosed with this condition will experience weight loss from how often she is vomiting. She may also experience things like dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Another key difference is that for many women, nausea and vomiting subside after the first trimester. This is not the case with hyperemesis gravidarum, as it can last for the duration of the pregnancy.
Signs And Symptoms
Many of the signs and symptoms a woman will experience are going to be related to the side effects of excessive vomiting. Hyperemesis gravidarum puts the woman in a position where she is not able to keep much of anything in her stomach, which can lead her to become severely hydrated if the condition goes untreated. She will have a low urine output because her body is trying to hold onto all fluids. She will likely experience lightheadedness and dizziness, especially when standing because her body is suffering a caloric deficit. The dehydration combined with the resultant electrolyte imbalance can lead to other signs and symptoms, such as muscle cramps and excess fatigue.
Causes
The main cause of hyperemesis gravidarum stems from the drastic increase of hormones a woman experiences during pregnancy. There is typically a surge of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), used by pregnancy tests, which the uterus produces for the body to support a healthy pregnancy. This is also the cause for a typical case of morning sickness. There is little evidence to support what makes a woman's morning sickness elevate to the level of hyperemesis gravidarum, but it is suspected a previous issue with this or a pregnancy involving multiples can be contributing factors.
How to Manage It
There are some methods you can use at home to treat or manage the symptoms, such as herbs or acupressure, but a doctor should still oversee this, so your progress and status are monitored. A doctor can also advise you on other options for how to manage it. Other options include specific medications your doctor prescribes to prevent vomiting episodes. If the symptoms are severe enough, doctors may recommend your treatment take place in a hospital. You may need IV fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. You may also need a feeding tube to provide you and your baby with adequate nutrition.
Complications
As stated, one of the biggest complications of hyperemesis gravidarum is the potential for dehydration. This can lead to bigger problems, such as electrolyte imbalances. If your body isn't getting enough of certain nutrients, like potassium, there can be fatal consequences. A potassium deficiency can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias, while a sodium deficiency can lead to things like altered mental status. Not only can these become dangerous on their own, but they also put you at a higher risk for falls and other safety concerns. Overall, hyperemesis gravidarum can become a severe health issue that can affect both you and your baby.