Morning sickness is something that many mothers experience during pregnancy. We consider it normal. However, for some mothers, this condition becomes unimaginably severe. It can be so severe that they vomit non-stop all day, cannot eat or drink anything, and even lose their strength. In medicine, we call such a severe condition Hyperemesis Gravidarum . Although there is no specific cure for this, it is a temporary condition. Also, there are many ways to manage it. Let's talk about this today.
Simply put, what is this?
If you have Hyperemesis Gravidarum, you will vomit excessively, sometimes continuously. This can lead to problems such as dehydration and weight loss. Although morning sickness usually goes away by the end of the first trimester of pregnancy, Hyperemesis Gravidarum can last much longer.
This condition usually begins between 4 and 6 weeks of pregnancy and is most severe between 9 and 13 weeks. The vomiting is so severe that many women are unable to carry out their daily activities. However, most of the time, the symptoms gradually subside by 20 weeks. However, this does not happen to everyone.
Although doctors don't know exactly what causes this, they believe it is related to the sudden increase in hormone levels in the body during pregnancy .
The important thing is that if you had this condition during your first pregnancy, you are more likely to have it again during your next pregnancy. Although there is no specific way to prevent this, it is said that taking a multivitamin before pregnancy can help to some extent.
What complications can this cause?
Hyperemesis Gravidarum can cause a number of problems for you and your baby. If not treated properly, this condition can become serious. See the table below for what they are.
| What is affected | What can happen? |
|---|---|
| Your weight | A loss of 5% or more of body weight is common. |
| Kidneys | Kidney function may be impaired, and the amount of urine excreted from the body may decrease. |
| Mineral balance | The body's levels of essential minerals (electrolytes) such as sodium and potassium may decrease. This can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and changes in blood pressure. |
| Muscles | Nutritional deficiencies, mineral imbalances, and bed rest can cause muscle weakness. |
| Saliva | There may be excessive saliva production. Swallowing this saliva may increase nausea. |
Your doctor's help is essential to manage these conditions. If you don't get proper treatment , you're at a higher risk of having a low birth weight or having a premature baby. Both of these can affect your baby's health in the future. So don't take these symptoms lightly.
What are the treatments?
The treatment you receive will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they are affecting your health. About 5% of women with this condition require hospitalization.
What the doctor recommends first
First, your doctor may recommend things like:
- Lifestyle changes : If you can eat, eat small meals several times a day, rather than large meals. When drinking fluids, drink small amounts frequently. Drinking through a straw may help. If the smell of hot foods makes you nauseous, try cold foods . Your doctor may also recommend sports drinks and nutritional supplements that contain electrolytes. Get plenty of sleep and reduce stress.
- Ginger: Some women find that taking small doses of 1 to 1.5 grams per day helps. Ginger can be taken as tea, lollipops, or supplements.
- Pyridoxine: Also known as vitamin B6, this is a vitamin commonly prescribed for nausea during pregnancy. It is usually given in doses of 10mg to 25mg three times a day. However, taking too much can cause temporary nerve damage, so do not take more than the dose your doctor recommends .
- Thiamine: This is vitamin B1 . Taking 1.5mg per day can reduce vomiting.
- Medications: Your doctor may prescribe one or more medications to help reduce vomiting. These can be given as oral pills, suppositories, intravenous (IV) injections, or injections. Antacids can also help. Sometimes IV steroids can also be given. Don't worry , your doctor will choose the safest medications for you and your baby.
Treatment if hospitalized
If you are still vomiting a lot and are dehydrated, your doctor may decide to admit you to the hospital. You will receive the following treatments in the hospital:
- IV fluids (saline): Electrolytes and vitamins are given intravenously along with saline to prevent dehydration.
- IV medications: Medications to control nausea and vomiting are given through a vein.
- Tube feeding: If you are unable to take anything by mouth, your doctor may insert a tube through your nose into your stomach to give you nutrition. In very severe cases, a tube may be inserted directly into your stomach or small intestine.
- IV feeding (intravenous feeding): This bypasses the stomach completely and provides nutrition directly through a vein.
Once your vomiting is under control, you are able to eat and drink by mouth, and your body is not dehydrated, these treatments can be stopped.
I understand that this is a very difficult time. But try and remember, this will definitely end someday... and then your baby will be born. So stay strong.
Take-Home Message
- Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a condition that is much more severe than normal morning sickness. If you are vomiting continuously, losing weight, or feeling unwell, you should definitely see a doctor.
- This is not your fault. This is a medical condition caused by hormonal influences.
- There are many effective ways to manage this condition, from lifestyle changes to medications and hospital treatments. Don't suffer alone.
- If you don't get proper treatment, you and your baby could be at risk. That's why it's very important to seek medical advice.
- All this is temporary. This difficult time will definitely end. Stay strong.
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