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Pregnancy is a magical time for many women, but it can also bring several physical and emotional challenges. One of these challenges is Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), which is often considered morning sickness but is a more severe form of nausea and vomiting that many women experience during the 1st trimester. This condition can cause significant discomfort and can even be life-threatening in some cases. This blog highlights what hyperemesis gravidarum is and how to manage this condition during pregnancy.
What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)?
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of morning sickness that affects about .3 to 3 % of pregnant women worldwide. It is mainly characterized by excessive vomiting, nausea, and weight loss that typically occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy. The symptoms can be so severe that they interfere with a woman's ability to work, eat, and care for herself, sometimes requiring hospitalization. Visit a top hospital for hyperemesis gravidarum treatment in Salem for the best results.
Causes of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
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The main cause of this condition is thought to be the fluctuations in hormone levels that occur during pregnancy. The increased levels of hormones such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen can cause the symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum.
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Other possible risk factors of hyperemesis gravidarum can be a genetic predisposition, a prior history of motion sickness or migraines, and a history of hyperemesis gravidarum during previous pregnancies.
Symptoms of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
The most common signs and symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum a woman can experience include:
Excessive vomiting (more than 3-4 times a day).
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Prolonged and severe nausea.
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Dehydration
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Weight loss (more than 5% of body weight).
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Electrolyte imbalances
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Headache
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Fatigue
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Dizziness or fainting
What are the Complications of Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
Hyperemesis gravidarum is linked to an increased risk of premature birth, low birth weight (LBW), and small for gestational age (SGA). In severe cases, it can lead to malnutrition and organ failure in the mother and even death of both the mother and the infant.
Managing Patients with Hyperemesis Gravidarum
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Treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum varies depending on the severity of the symptoms.
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Some women may be able to manage their symptoms with changes to their diet and lifestyle, such as eating small, frequent meals and drinking plenty of fluids.
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In more severe cases, treatment may include hospitalizations with intravenous or IV fluids and anti-nausea medications to help control nausea and vomiting.
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Some women may also need psychotherapy or counselling to help manage stress and anxiety related to the condition.
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While this can be challenging, seeking medical treatment is important to manage symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum to prevent any serious health complications.
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With prompt treatment and support, women with hyperemesis gravidarum can ensure a healthy and happy pregnancy.
Consult a top gynaecologist in Salem for diagnosis and treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum.
FAQs
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How to cope with Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
If a woman has this condition, she should make some alterations in her lifestyle, especially her diet, to alleviate the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Simple changes include eating more frequent and smaller meals, and plenty of water, and avoiding foods or odours that cause vomiting. Another lifestyle change is to get more rest throughout the day.
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Does Hyperemesis cause harm to the baby?
Although hyperemesis gravidarum usually does not cause any harm to the baby, there is a higher chance that the baby can be born premature and with low birth weight.
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