What is Hyperemesis?

One common pregnancy symptom is nausea, and in the majority of women this subsides after the first trimester. However, in some women severe, intractable nausea and vomiting occurs. This can easily result in dehydration, weight loss (5% or greater) as well as nutritional deficiencies.

Hyperemesis can begin as early as weeks 4-6 of pregnancy, though most commonly between weeks 8-12. For some women hyperemesis continues until after their baby is born. For the majority of mothers however, there is a significant improvement by around week 20.

It is thought that women who experience hyperemesis are less likely to miscarry. An elevation of pregnancy hormones causing the nausea is an indication that perhaps their pregnancy is more stable. The true cause for hyperemesis is still not clearly understood, although fluctuating hormone levels undoubtedly play a role. The only 100% guarantee is that there is almost complete relief of nausea and vomiting after the baby is born.

In mothers who are experiencing hyperemesis, many worry that their baby will not be receiving the nutrients they need to grow and develop optimally. But in the majority of cases, the baby does just fine. Nature has designed them to be very proficient in obtaining what they need first whilst more commonly, it is their mother who is the one who misses out. In situations where a mother is unable to keep any fluid or food down, admission to hospital becomes necessary.

Risk Factors for Hyperemesis

• Multiple pregnancy where a mother is carrying two or more babies.
• Gestational diabetes.
• Hyperthyroidism – this is a condition where the thyroid gland is underactive and not functioning as it should be.
• In mothers who have a history of motion sickness, a “sensitive” stomach, or who are more prone to feel nauseous, even when they are not pregnant.

Signs and Symptoms of Hyperemesis Gravidarum

• Intractable, continual vomiting.
• Dehydration and a decrease in urine output.
• Sleepiness, lack of energy, fatigue and inability to focus on anything other than the feelings of nausea.
• Headaches, feeling confused and faint/lightheaded.

What’s The Point of It?

Some researchers believe that morning sickness is, in itself, a protective inbuilt mechanism which prevents the mother and the fetus from contracting food borne illnesses. Common aversions are to raw meat, raw/uncooked fruits and vegetables or foods with a strong odor. This is all fine, however in hyperemesis it’s as if the body has taken this little message to the extreme. Intractable vomiting, dehydration and feeling miserable are common signs.

Treatment for Hyperemesis

• Occasionally hospitalization and rehydration with intravenous fluids is necessary. This is commonly with a solution of water, salts/electrolytes and glucose. Correcting electrolyte imbalance is the objective of treatment.
• For women who have developed low potassium levels supplements may become necessary, and are administered as an additive through an intravenous fluid drip.
• Some women require feeding via a nasogastric tube. This is a fine, silicone tube which is inserted through one of their nasal passages, over the back of the throat and down into their stomach. Energy dense, easily digested, highly fortified solutions are slowly “drip” fed directly into the stomach.
• Vitamin B6 “Pyridoxine” can also be prescribed and is effective in alleviating nausea. Folic Acid and other vitamin, iron and mineral supplements are also necessary if these nutrients are not being absorbed because of continual vomiting.
• Antacids are also an option and reduce the acid production in the stomach. Occasionally medication to hasten stomach emptying is also prescribed.
• Anti-emetic (nausea and vomiting) drugs are commonly prescribed. These may be given as injections or via the drip.
• Anti-histamines are another commonly prescribed family of medications.
• Avoidance of foods which start the vomiting cycle. Often, cold, bland foods are better tolerated than hot food. Heating food generates more of a smell and this alone can be sufficient to start the cycle of vomiting again.
• Referral to a dietician who specializes in obstetric care and treatment. Dietary planning around maximizing kilojoule and nutrient intake through foods which are more palatable and less likely to lead to vomiting is the goal of dietetic management.
• Sometimes lifestyle changes are necessary. For women who work in the food industry, who live or work where the smell of food is a constant trigger or whose lifestyle if based around food generally, changes or modifications may become necessary.
• Psychological support is often necessary. Continual nausea and vomiting can lead to feelings of depression. Short periods of nausea can make anyone feel miserable though when it is continual and does not abate, this wears down the most optimistic of people. Anti-depressant medication is only considered if the risks to the mother or her baby of her hyperemesis continuing are greater than the potential side effects of taking medication.
• For some women, combination therapies of traditional Western treatment with alternatives such as acupuncture and/or acupressure have been found to be useful. Though from an evidence based perspective, there is little science to support their usefulness.
• Ginger in all forms; tea, soft drinks and beverages, biscuits, sweets, crystallized and in cooking can bring relief to some women.
• Hypnosis, deep muscle relaxation, positive imagery and visualization can be effective. But none of these can help with re-hydration, only coping with feelings of nausea and hopefully, improve the mother’s ability to retain food and fluids.
• Sucking on ice-cubes, chips of ice or sips of iced water may be all that can be tolerated at times. Electrolyte replacement solutions, when prepared as per manufacturer’s recommendations are a useful, short term option to replace the body’s electrolyte balance when vomiting has been continual.
• Eating crackers, dry toast and very bland easily digested foods in small amounts will help to maintain blood sugar levels and combat nausea.

What’s the Difference between Pregnancy Nausea and Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

What’s important about hyperemesis gravidarum is that it is not just passed off as “one of those things” during pregnancy. It can become a serious health issue and compromise the health of a mother and her baby if left untreated.

To feel nauseated is relatively normal in early pregnancy, but it almost always settles towards the second trimester. Hyperemesis is more than this and causes real misery to pregnant mothers.

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