Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG): Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

Most women experience vomiting and nausea during the first three months of pregnancy. However, in some cases, you may also experience a severe form of morning sickness, a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), which involves severe and continuous vomiting and nausea. 

While natural home remedies can often help resolve mild cases of hyperemesis gravidarum, severe cases require immediate medical intervention and treatment. Check out more details about this condition from causes and symptoms to diagnosis, and possible treatment methods. 

What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a rare condition but its symptoms are quite persistent and can take a toll on your body during pregnancy. This condition is a more severe form of morning sickness, which causes constant nausea and vomiting, leading to dehydration. Due to this condition, you may even find it difficult to keep any fluid or food down. 

The symptoms of HG usually appear within the first six weeks of pregnancy and can be extremely debilitating, leading to fatigue, lasting for weeks or even months. It may also hinder your ability to perform normal day-to-day activities. 

HG can cause poor weight gain and dehydration during pregnancy. While there is no known way to prevent this condition, there are a few ways you can manage its symptoms and enhance your health. 

What Causes Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

Like most pregnancy symptoms, hyperemesis gravidarum is considered to be caused due to fluctuating pregnancy hormones, especially due to a rise in the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormones during the beginning of your pregnancy.

Symptoms of Hyperemesis Gravidarum

The symptoms of HG come and go, and even fluctuate. On some days you may have mild symptoms, and on others you might experience severe discomfort and nausea, leading to medical intervention. We have listed some of the most common symptoms of HG.

• Vomiting several times a day
• Severe nausea that remains persistent
• Inability to keep any liquid or food down
• Lack of appetite
• Salivating more than usual
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Signs of dehydration (such as infrequency in urination)
• Weight loss
• Constipation
• Noticing blood in your vomit

Morning Sickness vs. Hyperemesis Gravidarum: What’s The Difference?

If you think of morning sickness as a continuum, then hyperemesis gravidarum can be considered a condition that is at the severe and extreme end of that spectrum. While morning sickness during pregnancy (nausea and vomiting) is manageable, the symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum are considered significantly more acute and persistent.

When Does Hyperemesis Gravidarum Start?

The symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum usually start during the first trimester of pregnancy, usually between weeks 4 and 8, with most cases being diagnosed around week 9. The symptoms of HG may resolve on their own around weeks 12-16, but in some cases, it might continue throughout pregnancy.

Who Is At Risk for Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

Certain health factors can increase the risk of HG during pregnancy. For instance:

• Having multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets
• Having a history of HG in your family
• First-time pregnancy
• Having trophoblastic disease ( a condition where there is an abnormal growth of cells in your uterus)

How Is Hyperemesis Gravidarum Diagnosed?

Your doctor will first ask about your medical history and symptoms. They will then recommend a standard physical examination to diagnose HG. You may also have to get urine and blood tests done to rule out signs of dehydration, and your healthcare provider might suggest additional tests to determine if there are any gastrointestinal problems that are causing these symptoms.

Your doctor might also recommend an ultrasound to ensure that your baby is growing healthily and there are no abnormalities in your placenta or amniotic fluid level due to this condition.

Treatment of Hyperemesis Gravidarum

If your symptoms are relatively mild, then you can try some natural measures to manage symptoms of HG. These methods include making certain modifications to your diet and lifestyle.

• Avoiding possible triggers: Keep a note of things that tend to worsen your HG symptoms. For instance, certain foods and fragrances, bright lights, riding in the car, or tight-fitting clothes. Identify the possible triggers and try your best to avoid them.
• Eliminate spicy and fatty foods: Foods that are rich in spice and oil can be difficult to digest and cause nausea and discomfort in your stomach.
• Consume high-protein and high-carb meals: Foods rich in proteins and carbohydrates can replenish your energy levels and keep fatigue at bay. Also, they are easily digestible and won’t irritate your stomach lining.
• Drink plenty of fluids: To avoid signs of dehydration, try to drink plenty of liquids throughout the day.

In case you are experiencing severe symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum, such as weight loss, abdominal pain, and dizziness, then contact your healthcare provider for guidance and possible treatment methods.

Your doctor will mostly prescribe an anti-nausea medicine to manage the symptoms, but if you are showing severe signs of dehydration, they might suggest hospitalisation to administer intravenous fluids (IV) and bring your electrolyte levels back to normal. 

Conclusion

Experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy can be both physically and emotionally challenging for you. However, the good news is that symptom of this condition mostly resolve by 20 weeks of pregnancy. Until then, follow your doctor’s advice diligently, take your medications, and keep a record of your symptoms to identify the possible triggers and prevent them to reduce the symptoms.

Also read:

Ovulation calculator: Wondering when are your most fertile days in a month? Use this ovulation calculator to find out.

Ovulation: What is ovulation, and why should you pay attention to your ovulation cycle? Find out all the details in this post.

Pregnancy symptoms: Check out the most common signs and symptoms of pregnancy here.

Cover Image Credit: Freepik.com