What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

Many women (80% +) suffer from morning sickness when pregnant. However for some women, morning sickness is more than just vomiting from time to time. It is so severe that anything that is consumed is usually vomited. This type of morning sickness is called Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG).

Hyperemesis gravidarum can be dangerous to both mother and baby because the mother will typically lose up to ten percent of body weight, and dehydration is a very real possibility. Another danger is that the mother can suffer from poor nutrition, which can lead to serious problems with the baby. Metabolic imbalances may also occur, and this could cause severe mood swings and tendencies that the mother would not ordinarily have.

Hyperemesis gravidarum has been shown to last the entire pregnancy, however, typically it will resolve itself within the first twenty-one weeks of pregnancy. It is important to understand what the risks are when you are diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Certain other illnesses such as gastric ulcers, esophageal bleeding, and malnutrition are just a few of the complications that can occur when you have Hyperemesis Gravidarum

It is not known what causes HG, however there are many breakthroughs every year and this information is being used to determine why some women get it and others do not. There are many factors that are used to determine just that issue.

Hyperemesis gravidarum can only be diagnosed by a physician who measures your weight loss. He or she will check for ketones in your urine. There is a certain criteria that needs to be met before you can be diagnosed with Hyperemesis gravidarum. Once this criteria is met, then medication and treatment options are offered.

Treatment for Hyperemesis gravidarum needs to begin as soon as possible. It is a very complex disease and it is very challenging to treat. The most important part of treatment is to prevent severe recurring vomiting to insure that both mother and baby receive the proper nutrition to insure the health of you both.

There have been many studies conducted on morning sickness to determine what the effects are in both mild and severe cases. The results have shown that while mild cases of morning sickness do not have many side effects, severe cases must be treated immediately. The risk of serious complications increase in medical treatment is delayed or inadequate.

· Extreme fatigue
· Ketosis
· Gastric irritation
· Malnutrition

These illnesses are just a few of the serious complications that can occur if Hyperemesis gravidarum is not treated immediately. If Hyperemesis gravidarum is delayed too long, life-threatening diseases such as myolinolysis, central pontine, or Wernicke’s encephalopathy can result. Please do not worry about these complications, JUST SEEK MEDICAL HELP - if your morning sickness is severe.