Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is when pregnant women have really bad and constant nausea and vomiting. It’s not like regular morning sickness, which is just a bit of nausea and vomiting in the first three months of pregnancy. Hyperemesis gravidarum is not as common, but it’s more serious. It can happen in any pregnancy, but some people are more likely to get it, especially if they had it before. If you have hyperemesis gravidarum, you might throw up more than three or four times every day. This can make you feel dizzy and lightheaded. It may also cause weight loss, dehydration, and problems with your body’s balance of nutrients.
How I know about Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) – Symptoms
Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) goes beyond the common nausea and vomiting experienced by many pregnant individuals, known as “morning sickness.” While morning sickness is prevalent, affecting about 70% of pregnancies, HG is a more severe form estimated to impact 0.3% to 10.8% of pregnancies.
HG symptoms, often starting before the 20th week of pregnancy, include intense:
- Severe Nausea and Vomiting: Beyond the typical morning sickness level.
- Weight Loss: Significant weight loss, exceeding 5%.
- Dehydration Signs: Dark urine, dry skin, weakness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
- Nutrient Deficiencies: Resulting from the inability to retain food.
- Increased Heart Rate: Known as tachycardia.
- Increased Salivation: Referred to as ptyalism.
- Constipation: A common gastrointestinal symptom.
Read More : Common Pregnancy Symptoms and How to manage them
Complications
Complications linked to HG can be serious, including:
– Depression and Anxiety: The mental health impact of coping with severe symptoms.
– Esophageal Damage: Caused by persistent vomiting and reflux.
– Delayed Gastric Emptying (Gastroparesis): Affecting the normal movement of food through the digestive system.
– Neurological Changes: Such as encephalopathy, vision changes, confusion, and delirium.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum Can Affect Infants Too
When a mom has Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), it can affect the baby too. This might lead to some issues in the baby, like:
- Less Weight at Birth: Babies might not weigh as much if their mom had HG.
- Smaller Size: Babies could be smaller than usual when born.
- Possibility of Growing Slower: There’s a chance that babies might take a bit longer to learn and grow compared to others.
So, it’s not just about the mom. HG can have effects on the little one as well. It’s important to know about these possibilities and get the right support for both the mom and the baby.
Read More : Feeling Concerned? Unsure If Your Baby’s Growth Is On The Right Track?
Why it Happens? Causes of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)
Hey there, let’s talk about extreme morning sickness, also known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Ever wondered why some moms go through this intense nausea and vomiting during pregnancy? Well, it’s a bit mysterious, but hormones might be the key players:
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): This one comes from the placenta and seems to kick in when HG symptoms are at their peak. It’s like the pregnancy hormone might be pulling some strings here.
- GDF15: Another hormone, affecting hunger and taste. People with HG often have higher levels of this, hinting that it could be linked to why some moms face such a challenging bout of morning sickness.
So, in this journey of pregnancy, these hormones might be the backstage crew making things a bit more complicated for some moms. Curious, right? Let’s unravel more together!
Read More : Does hCG Hormone Vary During The Day? | Pregnancy Test Timings
Risk Factors :
Some moms-to-be might be more likely to have a tough kind of morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Here are some things that could make it more common:
- Rare Pregnancy Issue: If there’s a rare problem with the pregnancy called a hydatidiform mole.
- Expecting Twins or More: If you’re having more than one baby, HG might be more likely.
- Had HG Before: If you went through HG in a past pregnancy, it could happen again
- Family History of HG: If others in your family had HG during pregnancy, you might be at a higher risk.
- Get Sick Easily in Motion: If you often feel sick during car rides or on boats, HG might be more common.
- First-Time Mom: If this is your first pregnancy, HG might be more likely.
- Carrying Extra Weight: If you have some extra weight, it could increase the chances of dealing with HG during pregnancy.
Understanding these things helps us give better care and support to moms going through this challenging time.
Read More : Is it safe to visit the dentist during pregnancy?
Diagnosis
Diagnosing hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is mostly about how tough the symptoms are. Here’s what happens:
1. When It Shows Up: Signs of HG usually pop up between the fourth and sixth week of pregnancy, and they might get better between the 14th and 20th week. But for about 20% of people, it sticks around for the whole pregnancy.
2. Chat with Your Healthcare Provider: They’ll talk to you about how you’re feeling and check you out to rule out other reasons for your symptoms.
3. Keeping an Eye on Your Health: Your provider might do lab tests to check your fluid and electrolyte levels. They could look for things like increased ketones, changes in urine, or signs of imbalances in electrolytes and vitamins.
4. Ultrasound Check: A pregnancy ultrasound might be done to see if you’re having more than one baby or if there’s a rare issue called a hydatidiform mole.
If some of these tests show odd results, it could mean you’re dehydrated, not getting enough nutrients, or have other issues. Understanding all this helps your healthcare team figure out the best way to help you feel better during your pregnancy.
Treatment Options – Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)
If you’re going through hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), here’s how doctors might help you feel better:
1. Stay Hydrated: Making sure you’re drinking enough or, if necessary, getting fluids through a tube in your vein.
2. Get the Right Nutrients: Making sure you’re getting the right vitamins and minerals, either through your diet, special supplements, or sometimes a tube if eating is too hard.
3. Medicines to Control Nausea: Taking medications to help with the constant feeling of sickness. It could be anti-nausea drugs or vitamin B6. In severe cases, you might need treatment in the hospital.
4. Rest: Taking it easy and getting plenty of rest to help your body recover.
5. Talk About It: Having someone to talk to, like a counselor or support group, to help you deal with the tough emotions that can come with HG.
Everyone’s different, so the plan will be tailored to what works best for you. The main goal is to support you during this challenging time and make sure both you and your baby stay healthy.
Coping with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)
1. Tailored Treatment: Everyone’s different, so the way doctors help with hyperemesis gravidarum is personalized just for you. What works for one person might not work for another.
2. Reducing, Not Curing: While there’s no magic cure for hyperemesis gravidarum, the goal is to make the symptoms less strong. It’s about managing and easing them.
3. Different Ways to Take Meds: If swallowing pills isn’t your thing, there are other ways to get the medications you need, like through a shot or IV.
4. Medications Do More: Some medicines not only help with the feeling of being sick but can also tackle other problems.
5. Avoiding Triggers: Certain things like loud sounds, bright lights, strong smells, or tight clothes might make you feel more nauseous. Trying to stay away from these can help.
6. Good Times for Eating: Eat and drink when you’re feeling better. And when nausea is less intense, try to drink more fluids. Fizzy drinks like seltzer or ginger ale might be soothing.
7. Emotional Support: Dealing with hyperemesis gravidarum can be tough emotionally. It’s okay to feel anxious, guilty, or even traumatized. Having a kind healthcare provider and supportive friends and family is super important.
Remember, it’s all about finding what works for you and having the support you need during this challenging time.
read more : Common Pregnancy Symptoms and How to manage them
Curious about the not-so-glamorous side of pregnancy? Ever dealt with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)? Let’s share stories!
In my pregnancy journey, I faced a tough opponent called Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). It wasn’t the typical pregnancy story with happy moments; instead, it was a daily struggle against constant nausea and an unpredictable stomach.
Every day felt like a battle. Simple smells in the kitchen became triggers that sent me rushing to the bathroom. HG was like a storm I had to navigate through, making each day a new challenge.
But I didn’t let it break me. I found solace in sipping ginger tea, and the unwavering support of my loved ones became my anchor. As the due date approached, HG became a defining part of my journey – a challenging but vital chapter that showcased my resilience.
In the end, my story wasn’t a fairy tale, but it was uniquely mine. Hyperemesis Gravidarum taught me strength, endurance, and the unspoken heroism that comes with the incredible journey of becoming a mom.
Read More : Benefits Of Ginger Tea & The Best Times To Drink It
FAQ Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)
Q1: What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)?
A1: HG is severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, going beyond typical morning sickness.
Q2: How is Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) different from regular morning sickness?
A2: HG is more intense and can last longer, often leading to weight loss and dehydration.
Q3: Can HG harm the baby?
A3: If managed properly, it usually doesn’t harm the baby, but it can impact the mom’s well-being.
Q4: How is HG diagnosed?
A4: Diagnosis is based on symptoms, often appearing in the first weeks of pregnancy. Lab tests and ultrasound may be done.
Q5: What’s the treatment for HG?
A5: It’s personalized, including hydration, nutrition, medications, and emotional support.
Q6: Can Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)cause complications for the baby?
A6: In some cases, it may lead to lower birth weight or developmental delays, but proper care can minimize risks.
Q7: Can HG be cured completely?
A7: Unfortunately, no. The goal is to reduce symptoms and manage them effectively.
Q8: Are there triggers to avoid during Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) ?
A8: Yes, things like loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, and certain foods might trigger nausea.
Q9: Can emotional support help with HG?
A9: Absolutely. Support from healthcare providers, family, and friends is crucial for emotional well-being.
Q10: Will HG affect future pregnancies?
A10: It might, but not necessarily. Each pregnancy is unique, and management can differ.
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