Hyperemesis Gravidarum, Pregnancy Discomfort
There is a pattern for morning sickness which we consider normal for pregnant women, but it gets to a point when it becomes unusual, at that time, doing the needful by seeing a medical expert is highly crucial.
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A high level of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is medically called, hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), at this point it has gone beyond the usual pregnancy morning sickness, there is an associated weight loss and dehydration at this point.
We know that morning sickness comes with occasional vomiting, but this doesn't mean the affected patient would not still be able to keep food down a little.
A visit to the hospital is essential for the safety of both mother and child, the mother may have to be placed on IV fluids administered intravenously.
The symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum can sometimes last up till the point of delivery, but that's not always the case for everyone affected.
Vomiting more than three times in one day, headaches, extreme tiredness, fainting, dehydration, not urinating often, dizziness, and not being able to keep any food or liquid down, are the several associated symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum. Now, you can see why it is important for such a patient to be placed under the watch of a medical expert.
There is also a possibility of these other more serious symptoms, dry skin, jaundice, liver damage, low blood pressure, and rapid heart rate. Although, these are less common symptoms that most likely wouldn't happen.
I was so curious to find out the possible causes of this stressful condition, but I found out through research that, experts do not even know what the exact reason is, but they suspect it may be as a result of increased hormonal levels.
Especially, the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) which the body produces during pregnancy. The level of HCG in a pregnant woman skyrockets at 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Estrogen is another type of hormone that gets increased during pregnancy and contributes highly to nausea and vomiting.
While any pregnant woman could suddenly come down the HCG, some people stand a higher chance of having it than others.
A pregnant woman with a previous experience of HCG in a prior pregnancy, a consistent family history of HCG, multiple pregnancies, or gestational trophoblastic disease is at a higher chance of experiencing HCG.
Vomiting very frequently without proper care could come with complications. Consistent vomiting also means difficulty for the body to maintain the required nutrients and vitamins.
Complications come in the form of, preterm labor or the birth of an underweight baby. Bleeding in the throat is a sign that may accompany excessive vomiting.
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Pregnant mothers who have this condition watch out for what their triggers are, it may be the smell of a freshly made meal, perfume, some soap or body lotion.
HG makes pregnancy experience worrisome or tiring, it can create emotional imbalance and even lead to depression in some women if not handled appropriately and surrounded by love.
Treating HG depends greatly on how severe the situation is. Some may be treated with medications, others with a required change in lifestyle, and others, will be placed on IV fluids for a long time until they get better.
HG isn't your fault so there is no possible way you would have prevented it from happening, but you can realize early during your pregnancy that these signs may be beyond the normal morning sickness.
For Further Studies
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12232-hyperemesis-gravidarum
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/complications/severe-vomiting/
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/complications/severe-vomiting/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532917/
Hi, I am Tobi, a writer, speaker, relationship blogger, and lover of good music. I love making friends and learning from people.