What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)?

Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), a condition involving severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It is designed to be easy to read while providing essential medical information.

What does hyperemesis gravidarum mean?

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a condition where you feel extremely sick and vomit frequently during pregnancy. It is much more serious than typical "morning sickness." It can lead to weight loss and dehydration (when your body loses too much water).

What is the difference between morning sickness and HG?

• Morning sickness: This is very common, affecting up to 80% of pregnant women. It is usually mild and does not cause weight loss or dehydration. Most women can still keep some food and water down. It typically goes away after the first 12 weeks (the first trimester).
• Hyperemesis gravidarum: With HG, you may vomit several times every day. This makes it hard to stay hydrated or maintain your weight. The symptoms often last much longer than 12 weeks. If you become severely dehydrated, a doctor may need to treat you with IV fluids (liquids given through a tube in your arm).

How do you know if you have hyperemesis gravidarum?

Symptoms usually start around the sixth week of pregnancy. For some, it lasts a few weeks, but for others, it can last the entire pregnancy. It can be so severe that it prevents you from doing your daily activities.

Common signs of HG include:

• Feeling constantly and severely nauseous.
• Vomiting more than three times a day.
• Losing more than 5% of your weight from before you were pregnant.
• Being unable to eat or drink enough to stay healthy.
• Dehydration (feeling very thirsty).
• Feeling too weak to stand up straight.
• Peeing less than usual.
• Feeling extremely tired or fainting.
• Headaches.

Less common or severe symptoms include:

• Rapid heartbeat or low blood pressure.
• Very dry skin.
• Confusion or brain fog.
• Yellowing of the skin (jaundice) due to liver stress.
• Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (a rare brain condition caused by a lack of Vitamin B1).

What causes Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

Doctors do not know the exact cause, but it is likely linked to rising hormone levels. A hormone called HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) rises very quickly during pregnancy and peaks around 10 weeks, which is when symptoms are often at their worst. Estrogen levels also rise, which may contribute to the feeling of sickness.

Who is more likely to get hyperemesis gravidarum?

You may have a higher risk if:

• You had HG in a previous pregnancy.
• You are pregnant with more than one baby (twins or triplets).
• This is your first pregnancy.
• A close family member (like your mother or sister) had HG.
• You have a history of motion sickness or migraines.
• You have a rare condition called gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), where cells grow abnormally in the uterus.

What problems can happen because of HG?

The main risks are malnutrition and dehydration. If you cannot keep food or vitamins down, it can lead to health issues for you and the baby, such as the baby being born early or having a low birth weight. Constant vomiting can also cause bleeding in the throat or esophagus.

How do doctors test for hyperemesis gravidarum?

A doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history. They will check your weight to see how much you have lost. They may also ask for:

• Urine and blood tests: To check for dehydration.
• Ultrasound: To see if you are having twins or to check for other conditions like GTD.
• Reviewing other causes: The doctor will make sure your vomiting isn't caused by something else, like a stomach virus.

How is hyperemesis gravidarum treated?

Treatment depends on how bad the symptoms are. Always talk to your doctor about your options.

For milder cases, treatments include:

• Lifestyle changes: Using acupressure wristbands or consuming ginger (ginger tea or chews) to settle the stomach.
• Diet changes: Eating small amounts of bland food (like crackers, toast, rice, or potatoes) every two hours. It is best to avoid spicy or greasy foods.
• Vitamins and OTC medicine: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and doxylamine (Unisom) are often used together. Sometimes antihistamines like Benadryl are suggested. Always talk to your doctor before taking any medicine.
• Avoiding triggers: Stay away from strong smells or car rides if they make you feel worse.

For moderate to severe cases, treatments include:

• Prescription drugs: A doctor may prescribe stronger medicine like promethazine, metoclopramide, or ondansetron. These can be given as pills, injections, or even through the skin or vagina if you cannot swallow pills.
• IV fluids: If you are dehydrated, a doctor will give you fluids and nutrients through a tube in your arm.
• Feeding tubes: If you cannot eat at all, a doctor may place a tube through your nose or directly into your stomach to provide nutrition.
• TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition): This is a way of getting calories through a vein, bypassing the digestive system to let it rest.

Does hyperemesis gravidarum go away?

Yes. Many people feel better after the first three months. While some people stay sick until the baby is born, almost everyone finds that the symptoms disappear immediately after giving birth.

How does HG affect the baby?

If you receive proper treatment and your doctor monitors you closely, the baby is usually fine. The main risk is a lower birth weight if the mother stays dehydrated or loses too much weight.

Are there long-term effects?

Most people have no long-term health issues after the baby is born. However, if you get pregnant again, there is a high chance you will have HG again.

Is this a high-risk pregnancy?

Yes, your doctor will likely label the pregnancy as high-risk. This just means they will watch you and the baby more closely to ensure everyone stays healthy.

Can you prevent HG?

No, you cannot prevent it from happening. The best thing you can do is know your risk factors and seek help early.

When should I call my doctor?

You should contact your doctor immediately if you:

• Feel so sick that you cannot eat or drink anything all day.
• Vomit more than three times a day for several days.
• Notice you are losing weight.
• Feel dizzy, confused, or faint.
• Stop peeing, or if your pee is very dark in color.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced care for Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) in Lucknow, India. We have a team of experienced obstetricians and maternal care specialists. We provide accurate diagnosis through clinical evaluation and necessary tests, along with personalized treatment that may include IV fluids, medications, nutritional support, and close monitoring. Our care focuses on controlling severe nausea and vomiting, preventing dehydration and weight loss, and ensuring the health of both mother and baby. Our team works together to deliver timely, supportive, and compassionate care for a safer and healthier pregnancy.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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