Hyperemesis gravidarum leads to extreme morning sickness during the first and second trimesters, causing extended discomfort for the pregnant mother.
Patients must recognise hyperemesis gravidarum as an extreme form of recurrent morning sickness. We suggest pregnant women seek immediate gynaecological aid if prone to severe illness, leading to being bedridden while failing to perform daily activities.
Less than 2% of pregnant women experience hyperemesis gravidarum, making it a rare condition. It differs from morning sickness, an otherwise common thing during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Although the condition is not a fatal one, patients must seek clinical support to prevent potential complications.
Hyperemesis gravidarum meaning in Latin translates into excess vomiting (hyperemesis) + pregnant woman (gravidarum).
Patients experience more than morning sickness, including intense bouts of dehydration and unexplained weight loss. Besides, being bedridden due to prolonged fatigue, differentiates this from usual morning sickness bouts.
Physicians are yet to figure out the potential trigger that leads to hyperemesis gravidarum symptoms.
Women with a history of motion sickness and having experienced the same during previous pregnancies are most prone to this condition. Thanks to advanced prenatal care, it’s a manageable condition throughout pregnancy.
We classify hyperemesis gravidarum symptoms based on the severity experienced during pregnancy.
Pregnant women can experience anything between mild and severe symptoms, where they may experience extreme signs of morning sickness, resulting in complete bed rest.
The phases include:
Hyperemesis gravidarum causes symptoms similar to intense morning sickness, besides extreme weight loss and overall discomfort.
While physicians are yet to diagnose the underlying cause that triggers this condition in pregnant women, here are the potential reasons that lead to hyperemesis gravidarum symptoms:
Side effects of a surge in hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) to maintain the pregnancy
Hyperemesis gravidarum complications are more visible in pregnant women prone to triggers. Women planning to conceive should consult a physician to learn more about individual triggers that can set discomfort bouts during pregnancy.
Besides, we suggest that patients seek clinical help at the earliest to prevent hyperemesis gravidarum breakouts. Here are some preventive care measures:
Hyperemesis gravidarum causes extreme discomfort during pregnancy. However, it is a treatable condition, and besides being a rare illness, it does not lead to potential foetal complications. Presently there is no complete cure for hyperemesis gravidarum complications, but advanced diagnosis can help manage the symptoms well.
Pregnant women experiencing unexplained morning sickness should immediately consult a Hyperemesis Gravidarum doctor. For further information on hyperemesis gravidarum, we suggest patients make an appointment at the nearest CK Birla Hospital, offering the best-in-class gynaecology and obstetrics care to ensure a holistic experience from conceiving to parturition to parturition under the supervision of our best gynaecologist, Dr Priyanka Suhag.
