What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

Posted by Healthfitline On Thursday, March 28, 2013
Hyperemesis gravidarum (pernicious vomiting) is a complication of pregnancy that results into excessive vomiting and nausea, past 12th week of pregnancy. Sometimes, the condition is so severe that it leads to dehydration and significant weight loss.

Causes of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Causes of hyperemesis gravidarum is not known but it has been associated with increased thyroid functions that stimulates the production of  hormones human chorionic gonadotropic and estrogen. It is has also been linked to helicobacter pylori (a bacteria that causes stomach ulcers). Other associated causes of hyperemesis gravidarum include; lack of vitamin B6, obstructive bowel diseases, pancreatitis and trophoblastic disorder (hydatidiform mole).

Hyperemesis Gravidarum Risk Factors
Some risk factors associated with having hyperemesis gravidarum include;
  • A women with previous history of hyperemesis gravidarum.
  • First time mothers
  • Trophoblastic disorder (hydatidiform mole).
  • Obesity and overweight pregnant mothers.
  • Multiple pregnancy (women carrying more than one baby).
Symptoms of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Signs and symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum include;
  • Excessive vomiting - more than three or four times in one day.
  • Significant weight loss of more than 10 pounds or 5 kgs.
  • Signs and symptoms of dehydration (dry skin, thirst, poor skin turgor and sunken eyeball).
  • Feeling of lightheadedness and dizziness.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum Complications
If left untreated, hyperemesis gravidarum can lead to intrauterine growth retardation (the fetus does not grow anymore) and premature birth of the fetus.
 
Hyperemesis Gravidarum Diagnostic Test
Hyperemesis gravidarum is diagnosed through; history taking. The doctor may ask you questions like, how many times you are experiencing vomiting in a day, how much, what time of the day is nausea happening, what amount of food are you taking, among others.

In additional to history taking, other tests that may be performed include;
  • Physical examination
  • Laboratory tests to measure the level of electrolytes (sodium, potassium).
  • Urinalysis to detect ketones.
Hyperemesis Gravidarium Treatment
If you are suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, you will need to be hospitalized for at least one day for closer monitoring. During the first 24 hours of hospitalization, no food or drinks are allowed to be taken by mouth.

Other treatments may include;
  • Intravenous fluid replacement - IV fluid replacement is given to increase hydration and to prevent dehydration.
  • Medication to control vomiting, such as metoclopramide (Reglan), promethazine may also be given.
  • Total parental nutrition may be necessarily for severe cases of hyperemesis gravidarum to replace the nutrients lost.
  • Potassium supplements and vitamin B6 supplements may be administered.
If there is no more vomiting after 24 hours, you may be discharged from hospital, usually with a referral for home care. The doctor will advise you on what kind of food you should take, how much and how often should be taken, usually small frequent meals.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum Prevention
There are no known ways that can completely prevent hyperemesis gravidarum. However, taking the following measures may help;
 
  • Serve small portion of food on a plate and eat small frequent meals.
  • If you are serving a pregnant woman, present the food in an attractive manner.
  • Serve food hot that are meant to be served hot and serve food cold that are meant to be served cold.
  • Do not talk about food in front of a pregnant woman suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum or talk about what you are preparing.
  • If you are taking care of a pregnant woman, do not urge her to take more food. This may make her feel guilty and exaggerates her condition.
  • Limit exposure to food odors.
Labels: home, Hyperemesis Gravidarum, Pregnancy

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