Are you feeling queasy? You're not alone. Studies suggest that up to 70% of all pregnant women experience morning sickness during the first trimester of pregnancy.
What do you do if your morning sickness happens beyond the morning or the first trimester? You may be experiencing a rare form of extreme morning sickness called Hyperemesis Gravidarum. While these long words sound scary, they simply mean "a lot of vomiting during pregnancy."
If you think you're experiencing an atypical amount of morning sickness, it's essential to seek medical attention. If left untreated, this condition can lead to severe dehydration. That leaves you unable to provide your baby with the nutrients it needs to develop.
If you're concerned about this diagnosis, don't panic. We've created this hyperemesis gravidarum guide to help explain the difference between HG and typical morning sickness. Once you understand the differences, you'll know whether or not to seek help.
Read on to learn our essential hyperemesis gravidarum advice.
What Is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
"Hyperemesis" means "excessive vomiting." Gravidarum means "during pregnancy." Thus, hyperemesis gravidarum, or HG, refers to unusually intense vomiting while pregnant.
Only about 2% of pregnant women experience hyperemesis gravidarum. It is not the same as morning sickness, which has similar symptoms. HG can last the duration of a pregnancy, whereas morning sickness traditionally diminishes or stops as a woman enters the second trimester.
Even so, doctors suspect that morning sickness and HG have similar causes. One such cause is the production of hCG, a hormone produced by the placenta. If your hCG levels do not decline as expected, you may experience more intense nausea and vomiting for a more extended period.
Some women have a higher likelihood of experiencing HG. Many women carrying multiples experience HG, even if they've never had problems during previous pregnancies. All women are more likely to experience HG during their first pregnancy.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum Symptoms
It may take some time to realize that you are experiencing HG instead of morning sickness, as they typically begin at the same time. If you're pregnant for the first time, you might not realize that your nausea and vomiting are too frequent or intense.
The most common and significant symptom will be near-constant nausea and excessive vomiting. These symptoms cause other complications inherent in an HG diagnosis.
The most common symptoms of Hyperemesis Gravidarum are:
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Extreme fatigue
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Loss of bodyweight
- Low pulse
- Low blood pressure
When you're pregnant, your body becomes the perfect ecosystem for your growing baby. Your baby depends on you to provide the vitamins, nutrients, and hydration it needs to develop. You will likely need medical intervention if you constantly vomit and cannot ingest enough food to support your body and your baby.
If nausea and vomiting persist beyond the first trimester or are beginning to take a toll on your health and quality of life, speak to a doctor about treatment. You should always talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your health while pregnant, no matter how mild.
You can only receive a diagnosis of Hyperemesis Gravidarum from a medical professional.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum Treatment
Cases of HG can range in severity, and treatment depends on how early you seek medical help. If you struggle during the first trimester, your doctor may attempt to treat your symptoms by prescribing a supplement, such as Vitamin B6.
Usually, doctors will recommend more traditional nausea mitigation methods before recommending more intensive treatments. They may ask you to change your eating schedule or eliminate certain foods from your diet. Some professionals may suggest holistic therapies such as exercise, acupuncture, or massage.
If nausea and vomiting persist, the next step is hospitalization. Dehydration is especially dangerous for pregnant women and their babies. In the hospital, you will receive IV therapy.
The severity of HG can ebb and flow. You may have good periods and difficult periods. Many women must be hospitalized for IV therapy several times before their delivery to manage their symptoms.
Often, women with HG will receive anti-nausea medication while in the hospital. You might continue to take some of those drugs at home. The dangers of dehydration usually supersede any rare potential side effects of using these drugs.
Life After Treatment
The best news about HG is that it is specifically a condition of pregnancy. After giving birth, all nausea and other side effects should vanish.
Once you're feeling better, it's imperative to prioritize your nutrition and hydration so you'll have the energy you need to parent your newborn. This care is critical if you have plans to breastfeed. Breastmilk is 88% water, so you'll need to stay hydrated to nourish and support your baby's growth.
It's very common for women who experience HG to feel nervous about getting pregnant again. Hyperemesis Gravidarum is stressful and demanding on the body, and repeating the process can be frightening. If you begin the process with more knowledge, however, you will be better able to manage your symptoms and welcome another beautiful baby into the world.
Coping With Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Many pregnant women began imagining their perfect pregnancy when they were little girls. We doubt those fantasies involved the strife and discomfort of hyperemesis gravidarum. While this diagnosis can be frustrating, follow your doctor's instructions, and you'll soon be holding your sweet baby in your arms.
When your baby arrives, we promise you'll have far more pleasant things to worry about.
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