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Hyperemesis Gravidarum

What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

Hyperemesis gravidarum is persistent nausea and vomiting – up 20 or 30 times a day -  and will often result in the loss of up to 20% of body weight, which in itself can lead to other complications such as dehydration, liver damage and low electrolyte levels.

Hyperemesis gravidarum affects fewer than 1% of pregnant women and in some cases it will last the full duration of pregnancy, although the severity may reduce as the pregnancy progresses.

Generally there is little direct danger to your developing baby, as he/she will act more as a parasite and will continue to receive the nourishment and nutrition from you. This will more than likely leave you feeling drained and often lacking in the nutrition you need to stay strong and focused.

What causes hypermesis gravidarum?

How is hyperemesis gravidarum treated?

Because the biggest threat is dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which will lead to other complications, intravenous hydration is the primary treatment along with nasal gastric tube feedings, where food is fed into a tube which runs into your stomach through your nasal passage. This is often effective because you don't have to smell or taste the food and this often helps to offer some improvement in how you may feel. Unfortunately, other than that there is very little which can be done to help you feel better.

Getting through it all

One of the biggest problems for women who are suffering this form of extreme morning sickness is the fact that it is so rare that they often feel as if they are all alone without anyone else to talk to, someone who understands the feelings and fears they have.

Another of the big problems is that your quality of life is also affected. Often you will be left unable to work, complete daily household chores, care for other children you may have etc. It may also, in the end, result in additional stress being placed on your personal relationship as well.

Organizations related to Hyperemesis Gravidaru

NIH/Office of Research on Women's Health
http://www.nih.gov
National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition
http://www.hmhb.org
National Women's Health Network
http://www.womenshealthnetwork.org
National Women's Health Resource Center
http://www.healthywomen.org

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