Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a rare health condition which can occur during pregnancy. It is essentially a severe type of morning sickness, which causes a pregnant woman to experience prolonged bouts of extreme nausea and vomiting.
Risk factors for this condition
There are a number of factors which can increase a pregnant woman's chances of developing Hyperemesis Gravidarum. If they are overweight, have a family history of this condition, have asthma or are pregnant with more than one child (twins or triplets), they may be at higher risk of suffering from this issue.
Effects of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Persistent and severe nausea and vomiting during the course of a woman's pregnancy can cause a whole host of issues. This condition often results in substantial weight loss, malnutrition and dehydration. The latter is particularly problematic, as it can lead to electrolyte imbalances which, in turn, can cause blood pressure changes, extreme fatigue and dizziness.
Medical treatment
If a pregnant woman is experiencing severe vomiting, they should make an appointment with their local medical centre as soon as possible. If they are then diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum, there are several treatment options which their doctor may propose. They may be prescribed anti-sickness medication and certain vitamins to help ease their symptoms. If they are severely dehydrated and cannot swallow any fluids without vomiting, they may also be given IV (Intravenous Fluids) to restore their fluid and electrolyte levels.
Self-help
There are several things that a woman can do to reduce her symptoms. Consuming ginger and Vitamin B6 can ease nausea. Additionally, the sufferer should identify and try to avoid the things that trigger their urge to vomit; these triggers might include bright lights, loud noises and strong smells. For many sufferers, even the sight of certain foods can elicit feelings of nausea; in such cases, it's best not to keep these food items in the home.
As mentioned above, dehydration can be a serious issue for those suffering from this condition. If taking large gulps of water, tea or juice seems to trigger feelings of nausea, it may be helpful for the sufferer to keep an ice cube in their mouth and allow it to slowly melt over a period of several minutes. This should enable them to get some fluids into their body, without exacerbating the symptoms of their illness.
Those experiencing this condition should avoid consuming large portions of food, as this can trigger nausea; instead, they should stick to eating small-sized meals several times throughout the day, as this approach is less likely to irritate their digestive systems.
