WHAT IS HYMEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM?

Severe nausea and vomiting in a pregnant woman, causing dehydration and drastic changes in body chemistry that has a harmful effect on the health of both the mother and the fetus.

This is different and much more serious than morning sickness during pregnancy.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Severe nausea.
• Vomiting, first of mucus, then of bile and finally of blood.
• Dehydration.
• Failure to gain weight, or weight loss to less than pre-pregnancy weight
• Pale, dry and sometimes yellow skin.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Headache, confusion or lethargy.

CAUSES

Unknown, but theories abound. Common ones are

• Multiple pregnancy (more than one fetus) and a condition called as hydatidiform mole, producing high levels of human chorionic gonadotrophin - a hormone.
• Inflammation of the pancreas.
• Bile-duct disease.
• Psychological factors, such as depression or poor adaptation to stress.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Poor nutrition.
• Use of any drug that may interfere with normal pregnancy.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Don't use any drugs, including non-prescription drugs, during pregnancy without consulting your doctor.
• Maintain an adequate diet during all stages of pregnancy.

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES

• Tell tale symptoms.
• History and examination by a doctor.
• Laboratory studies of blood and urine to measure electrolytes and detect anemia.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Severe dehydration.
• Liver disease.
• Coma.
• Miscarriage or damage to the fetus.
• Death of the mother.

PROBABLE OUTCOME

Usually curable with treatment. Termination of pregnancy may be required in case symptoms don’t improve inspite of treatment.

GENERAL MEASURES

Hospitalization for intravenous fluids to correct dehydration.

MEDICATION

• Therapeutic trial of high dose of vitamin B6 (as much as 40-100 mg) may be given
• Carefully follow instructions, if other drugs are prescribed.
• Don't use ANY medicine, including non-prescription medicine to prevent vomiting, without telling your doctor.

ACTIVITY

Stay as active as your strength allows. Work and exercise moderately. Rest often.

DIET

If the condition has not reached the point to warrant hospitalization for intravenous fluids, follow these instructions:

• If you feel nauseated in the morning, eat dry toast or a biscuit before you get out of bed.
• Eat small, frequent meals; as many as 6-7 a day.
• Don't eat fried foods; they increase nausea.
• Sit upright or walk for 45 minutes after eating.
• Obtain additional dietary instructions from your doctor or nutritionist.

If intravenous fluids are necessary, you will probably progress from them to a clear liquid diet, full liquid diet and then regular diet with small, frequent meals.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY, IF

• You have symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum.
• Nausea, vomiting or weight loss increase, despite treatment.