What are the most effective treatments for mild hyperemesis gravidarum?
What is hyperemesis gravidarum?
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It can cause serious dehydration and weight loss and, in rare cases, even death. If you have HG, you’ll need to be treated in hospital so you can be rehydrated intravenously (through a drip).
Most women with HG start to feel better after 12 weeks of pregnancy, but some women continue to have symptoms until the birth.
What causes HG?
The exact cause of HG is unknown, but it’s thought to be linked to the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). This hormone is produced in high levels during early pregnancy, and levels peak around the 10-week mark.
It’s thought that the high levels of hCG may stimulate the vomiting centre in the brain, which leads to nausea and vomiting.
What are the symptoms of HG?
The main symptom of HG is severe nausea and vomiting that can lead to weight loss and dehydration. You may also have other symptoms, such as:
– A feeling of being full after only eating a small amount
– Difficulty keeping down any food or fluid
– lethargy
– faintness
– headaches
– muscle cramps
If you have HG, you’ll usually vomit more than three times a day. You may vomit so much that you can’t keep any food or fluid down, and you start to lose weight.
HG can also cause severe dehydration, which can lead to other problems, such as low blood pressure, an electrolyte imbalance and kidney failure. In severe cases, HG can be life-threatening.
How is HG diagnosed?
Your GP or midwife will ask about your symptoms and may carry out a physical examination. They may also ask you about your medical history, including whether you’ve had HG in a previous pregnancy.
You may be referred for tests to check for dehydration, such as a blood test or urine test. You may also have a scan to rule out other conditions, such as a gastrointestinal obstruction.
How is HG treated?
The main treatment for HG is to treat the symptoms andtry to prevent dehydration. HG can’t be cured, but the symptoms can be managed.
You’ll need to be treated in hospital if you have HG. You’ll be given fluids through a drip to rehydrate you, and you may also be given anti-emetic medication to stop you vomiting.
You may need to be tube fed if you can’t keep food or fluid down. This involves inserting a tube through your nose into your stomach.
If you’re admitted to hospital with HG, you’ll usually be monitored closely. You may need to stay in hospital for a few days or weeks until your symptoms improve.
What are the long-term effects of HG?
HG can cause long-term effects, such as anxiety and depression. Some women also find it difficult to bond with their baby immediately after birth because of the way HG has affected them.
It’s important to get help and support if you’re struggling to cope with the effects of HG.Your GP or midwife can refer you to a counsellor or therapist if you need help.
Can HG be prevented?
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent HG, but there are some things you can do to lower your risk, such as:
– Taking regular pregnancy multivitamins, including folic acid
– Eating small, frequent meals
– Avoiding trigger foods and drinks (such as fatty foods, caffeine and alcohol)
– Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
– Getting plenty of rest
– Avoiding stress
What are some possible causes of mild hyperemesis gravidarum?
Mild hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), also known as pregnancy sickness, is a condition that affects some pregnant women. Women with HG experience severe nausea and vomiting which can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and other complications. HG is thought to be caused by the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced during pregnancy. Other possible causes include:
– A change in hormone levels: estrogen and progesterone levels increase during pregnancy, and some women are more sensitive to these changes than others. Increased hormone levels can cause nausea and vomiting.
– A history of motion sickness or morning sickness: If you’ve had motion sickness or morning sickness in the past, you’re more likely to experience HG.
– A family history of HG: If HG runs in your family, you may be more likely to experience it yourself.
– Stress: Pregnancy can be a stressful time, and stress can make nausea and vomiting worse.
If you’re experiencing severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, it’s important to see your healthcare provider. HG can be serious, and it’s important to make sure you stay hydrated and get the nutrients you need.
All material on this site was made with pregnancysicknesssuport.org.uk as the authority reference. To learn more visit the source used.