Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a rare disorder characterized by severe and persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that may necessitate hospitalization. Hyperemesis gravidarum usually subsides after week 14 of pregnancy, but can last much longer.As a result of frequent nausea and vomiting, affected women experience dehydration, vitamin and mineral deficit, and the loss of greater than five percent of their original body weight. Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, more widely known as morning sickness, is a common condition of pregnancy. Many researchers believe that Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy should be regarded as a continuum of symptoms that may impact an affected woman's physical, mental and social well-being to varying degrees. Hyperemesis gravidarum represents the severe end of the continuum. No specific line exists that separates hyperemesis gravidarum from Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy in most cases, affected individuals progress from mild or moderate nausea and vomiting to hyperemesis gravidarum. The exact cause of hyperemesis gravidarum is not known. Hyperemesis gravidarum can lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalances and nutritional deficiencies. Liver damage and jaundice may occur with severe hyperemesis gravidarum. Excessive weight loss and poor nutrition in the mother may affect fetal growth
Women have sickness severe enough to be hospitalized, such as a case of hyperemesis, then she is more likely to have a girl than a boy. Hospitalization in the later stages of pregnancy did not show this correlation. You might be wondering how it's determined if your nausea falls into this category. Generally when women experience hyperemesis gravidarum you will see a weight loss of 5% or greater, intractable vomiting, disturbed nutrition, retinal hemorrhage, and potentially renal and liver damage. Other complications are rare, however it has been noted that there is an increased incidence of gall bladder problems during and after pregnancy.
Causes of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Common causes of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
- Vitamin B deficiency.
- Hyperthyroidism.
- Endocrine imbalances.
- High body weight.
- Nulliparity.
- Gastrointestinal dysmotility.
Symptoms of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Common symptoms of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Household tasks.
- Routines.
- Weight loss of 5% or more of pre-pregnancy weight.
- Fainting.
- Jaundice.
- Dehydration.
- Headaches.
- Fainting.
Treatment of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Common Treatment of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
- Vitamin supplementation may also be recommended. Thiamine supplementation is specifically recommended to prevent the development of Wernicke's encephalopathy.
- some persistent cases of hyperemesis gravidarum, drugs that prevent or lessen nausea and vomiting may be antiemetic drug therapy.
- Antihistamines have been used to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, sometimes in conjunction with diclectin. These include dimenhydrinate, hydroxyzine,and promethazine. However, these drugs have not been studied thoroughly in pregnant women, and their FDA approval labeling cautions that they are not approved for pregnant or nursing women.
- Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy - restores nutrients through a tube passing through the abdomen and to the stomach.
- Acupressure may also help overcome sickness: press a finger or thumb against the inside of the wrist or wear an elastic wristband with a plastic button sewn into it. A doctor may recommend using anti-nausea medication.
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