Hyperemesis Gravidarum

• Hyper = over, excessive, above.
• Emesis = act of vomiting.
• Gravid = pregnant woman.
• Rum = odd person.

• Family history.
• Obesity.
• Pregnancy with more than one baby.
• First-time pregnancy.
• Trophoblastic disease (abnormal cell growth inside the uterus).

• Weight loss.
• Dehydration.
• Electrolyte imbalance.
• Life-threatening risks such as death.
• Pre-term labor (premature delivery).
• Preeclampsia (sudden development of high blood pressure during pregnancy).

• Marked psychological burden.
• Electrolyte imbalance.
• Nutritional deficiencies.
• Wernicke’s encephalopathy.
• Thrombosis.
• Esophageal trauma.
• Cerebral vascular spasm.
• Pre-term labor.
• Recurrence in subsequent pregnancies.
• Offspring may suffer:
  • Long-term high serum cortisol.
  • Decreasing insulin sensitivity.
  • High-risk of mood.
  • Psychiatric problems.
• Toxemia, a serious threat to the pregnancy.

• A thorough clinical evaluation.
• Detailed patient’s medical history.
• Patient’s family history.
• Identification of symptoms.
• An ultrasound, to find out if you are pregnant with twins or more babies.

• Preventive Measures.

• • Ginger.
  • Vitamin B6.
  • Acupressure-point wristband (similar to those for motion sickness).
• Meals’ Adjustment.

• Intravenous Fluids.

• Total Prenatal Nutrition (TPN).

• Medications.

1. Promethazine (Avomine 25mg), one tablet, four times daily.
2. Meclizine.
3. Droperidol.
4. Cyclizine 50mg, three times daily.
5. Domperidone.
6. Prochlorperazine (Stemetil 10mg), 3 times daily.
7. Ondansetron, having an oro-dispersal (melting on the tongue) version, easier for women to manage.

• Little frequent meals.
• Bland foods.

• Wait until the nausea has improved before taking your iron supplements.
• Use an acupressure-point wristband.

• Drink smaller drinks, but drink more often and use a straw.
• Try cold foods, if hot ones trigger nausea.
• Take ginger (1─15 grams) daily, in several small doses.

• Take pyridoxine (vitamin B6) 10mg to 25mg, thrice a day.

• Take thiamine (vitamin B1), 1.5mg, once a day; available over-the-counter (in medicine stores).

Symptoms

HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM SYMPTOMS

Some of the common signs and symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum include:

• Feeling nausea, almost constantly.
• Loss of appetite.
• Severe vomiting almost every time.
• Dehydration.
• Dizziness or light-headedness.
• Loss of about 5% body weight.
• Increased salivation.

Causes

HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM CAUSES

The causes of hyperemesis gravidarum are beyond the understanding of medical professionals, but it is thought to be related to a rise in hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels, created by the placenta during pregnancy. 

Women who suffered hyperemesis gravidarum during their first pregnancy have a higher chance of getting it again in their next pregnancy. There is also no known way to prevent its occurrence, though taking multivitamins before getting pregnant is said to be have been of little help.

FAQ

Who is the most affected by hyperemesis gravidarum?

Hyperemesis gravidarum is an experience of some pregnant women, which some call morning sickness, though it is not. It has a lot of complications that could be life-threatening to both the mother and child.

Is hyperemesis gravidarum considered high-risk pregnancy?

Hyperemesis gravidarum is considered a high-risk pregnancy, known to increase the risk of preeclampsia, stillbirth, and premature birth, especially in most severe cases.

What are the long-term effects of hyperemesis gravidarum?

Hyperemesis gravidarum causes weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and debility, due to severe nausea and/or vomiting, causing long-term health issues for the mother and child.

How long does hyperemesis gravidarum last?

Hyperemesis gravidarum usually lasts 12─14 weeks; beginning around the 6th week of pregnancy, peaking around the 9th week, and disappearing around the 16th or 20th weeks. Although unpleasant, morning sickness is a normal sign of pregnancy.

Can hyperemesis gravidarum cause birth defects?

Hyperemesis gravidarum causes birth defects such as low birth weight, premature delivery, small-for-gestational-age (SGA), and prenatal death (in extreme c