Hyperemesis Gravidarum, A Set Of Pregnancy Discomforts

A condition of pregnancy that involves a series of characteristic discomforts is known as hyperemesis gravidarum. As is well known, pregnant women present a series of symptoms that we consider normal. However, sometimes this condition is really serious.

In general, when hyperemesis gravidarum appears mildly, treatment is basic. In most cases, a woman can rest, change her diet, and make some changes to her routine to get better. However, when the situation worsens, it is even possible for the patient to be hospitalized. For this reason, experts always suggest seeking professional help, even when we know the cause.

The set of discomforts that characterize this condition are nausea, vomiting, nausea, electrolyte disorders and weight loss. While not all symptoms appear in all women, at least some of them will.

How does hyperemesis gravidarum manifest itself?

It has been observed that between 70 and 80% of pregnant women have some of these symptoms in the first weeks of pregnancy. These annoyances appear with greater intensity, especially in the morning. Despite being quite “normal” symptoms, hospital centers register at least 60,000 urgent cases per year.

In other words, hyperemesis gravidarum can become a serious problem for the pregnant woman. For this reason, a woman who has severe symptoms should go to an emergency room, just like any other patient. In severe cases, the mother may need an intravenous fluid replacement. However, experts ensure that all women should consult a doctor before taking anything to treat these symptoms.

Hyperemesis gravidarum manifests itself approximately between weeks 4 and 6 of pregnancy. It usually disappears within 13 weeks at the most. Therefore, relief from these discomforts does not come naturally until approximately 20 weeks of pregnancy.

However, 20% of pregnant women may need medical treatment due to hyperemesis gravidarum during the entire pregnancy process. Until now, a way to prevent these discomforts is not known, but some changes in our lives can help to improve them.

How to identify hyperemesis gravidarum?

Typical morning nausea is different from what is known as hyperemesis gravidarum. Below, we explain how to differentiate.

• The nausea that appears in this condition is always accompanied by vomiting, unlike others that do not always end in vomiting episodes.
• When nausea occurs due to hyperemesis, it does not decrease in intensity after 12 weeks of pregnancy.
• Discomforts can cause severe dehydration.
• Do not allow food to settle in the stomach. In the case of morning nausea, this does not happen.
• Many food aversions arise.
• Fainting happens.
• heart rate increases
• Weight loss of at least 5% occurs .
• Urinary frequency decreases.
• Episodes of anxiety, depression, extreme fatigue and confusion occur.
• blood pressure decreases
• In some cases there is jaundice.

 Treatments for hyperemesis gravidarum

In case of hyperemesis gravidarum, the mother-to-be is often hospitalized. To treat this disease, the hospital procedure is as follows:

• Intravenous administration of fluids. Vitamins, nutrients and electrolytes are included.
• Feeding is applied through a tube, either nasogastric (through the nose) or through percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (through the abdomen to the stomach).
• Indication of anti-reflux or antihistamine drugs.

Other less orthodox treatments include acupressure, hypnosis or the administration of homeopathic medicines. However, this type of medication should be consulted with the physician before being considered. Experts warn that for no reason is self-medication recommended.