Hyperemesis Gravidarum Symptoms: Beyond Morning Sickness
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You’re excited! You’re glowing, picking out tiny outfits, and planning for your kid. Although that “morning sickness” everybody discusses feels more like an entire day’s sickness. You can rarely keep food down, the dizziness makes it tough to stand, and the idea of your favorite food is ready to chase your stomach. But what’s this all about? This, unluckily, may be hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), and it can be more severe than just a usual nausea. This blog will discuss hyperemesis gravidarum symptoms, its challenges, and how to deal with this unexpected turn during your pregnancy phase.
What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a more serious form of morning sickness while you are pregnant. In simple words, you can term it intense nausea. Mothers with Hyperemesis Gravidarum symptoms are not able to keep liquids or foods down. It’s not just feeling sick. It is a consistent struggle. It’s vital to seek medical attention to ensure that both baby and mom are healthy.
Difference Between Morning Sickness and Hyperemesis Gravidarum
| Feature | Morning Sickness | Hyperemesis Gravidarum |
| Severity | Occasional vomiting, light to moderate nausea | Vomiting throughout the day, severe nausea |
| Dehydration | Unlikely | Common |
| Weight loss | Unlikely | Possible, major weight loss can be a sign of danger |
| Impact on your daily life | Minor disruption | Tough to keep down liquids and foods, major disruption |
Hyperemesis Gravidarum Causes
Nobody exactly knows what are the hyperemesis gravidarum causes. But it is linked to your pregnancy hormones going up. A particular hormone, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), rises during the early stages of pregnancy. This is the time when many mothers dealing with HG feel worse. One more hormone, estrogen, may also make vomiting and nausea more frequent.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum Symptoms
Morning sickness is quite common in the pregnancy phase, but HG is a bit different. Here are the hyperemesis gravidarum symptoms:
- Feeling nauseous
- Dehydration can make you thirsty, tired, and lightheaded. You might also urinate less, and your urine might be dark yellow and smelly.
- Losing weight
Unlike morning sickness, HG may not ease up around weeks 16 to 20 of pregnancy. It might even stick around until your baby arrives.
Who is at Risk for Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
Certain factors may increase the chances of experiencing HG. These include:
- Having HG in a previous pregnancy
- Expecting twins or triplets
- Being pregnant for the first time
- Having family members who had severe morning sickness or HG
- A history of motion sickness or migraines
- Having gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), which involves abnormal cell growth in your uterus.
What are the Effects of Hyperemesis Gravidarum Symptoms?
Vomiting a lot during pregnancy can make it challenging for your body to get the fluids and nourishment it needs. This, in turn, can lead to problems like your baby coming a bit early (preterm birth) or being smaller than expected (low birth weight). You might also have some bleeding in your throat from all the vomiting.
How are Hyperemesis Gravidarum Symptoms Diagnosed?
The doctor will talk to you about your feelings and health history. They’ll also check your weight to see if you’ve lost too much. Some tests might be needed to know if you’re dehydrated, like blood and urine tests. An ultrasound can also be done to see if you’re having twins or something else going on in your belly. The doctor will also want to ensure you don’t have another reason for vomiting.
Tips to Manage Hyperemesis Gravidarum Symptoms
Before opting for any treatment, there are some things you can try to manage your hyperemesis gravidarum symptoms:
- Try acupressure bands or ginger: These are drug-free options. Acupressure bands apply pressure to a point on your wrist, and ginger (like ginger chews or tea) may help settle your stomach.
- Eat small meals often: Nibble on bland foods like crackers, toast, rice, or potatoes every two hours. This can help keep your stomach from getting too empty and upset.
- Skip greasy and spicy foods: These can make nausea worse.
- Avoid your nausea triggers: Notice if certain smells or activities, like riding in a car, make you feel sicker. Try to avoid them if you can.
Conclusion
Hyperemesis gravidarum symptoms can be a real challenge during pregnancy. But remember, you’re not alone! There are ways to manage HG and get the help you need. If you’re experiencing HG, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor. You can book your appointment with any of the OBGYNs mentioned below:
- Dr. T Sankar
- Dr. S Persaud
- Dr. V Harry
- Dr. E Brathwaite
- Dr. M Robinsons
If you have any questions or concerns our team is here to support you throughout your pregnancy journey.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information is strictly for informative purposes. It is not intended to be used in lieu of professional medical advice, inclusive of diagnosis or treatment. It is strongly advised that you seek a doctor’s medical advice on any treatment or medical condition that you learn about.
Interested in learning more about hyperemesis gravidarum? We recommend these sites:
NHS – Severe vomiting in pregnancy
WebMD – What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
HSE – Hyperemesis gravidarum (very severe sickness in pregnancy)
Mayo Clinic – Morning sickness
The British Medical Journal – Management of severe pregnancy sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence – Hyperemesis gravidarum
