Hyperemesis Gravidarum During Pregnancy
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of nausea and vomiting that happens during pregnancy in only about 3% of women.hg It can last for weeks or months, and can make you feel very weak, dehydrated and unable to keep food down.hg hg It can also lead to weight loss.hg hg
HG is more severe than regular'morning sickness' which only affects about 70% of pregnant women and goes away after the first trimester, although some symptoms may still persist up to 20 weeks.hg HG can be debilitating and affect your ability to work, go out or do other activities.hg
You can help yourself to cope by taking steps to manage your condition and talking to your midwife or doctor about how you're feeling.hg hg hg They can recommend medicines, help you with your diet and offer support and advice.hg
Your GP can help you find out more about your symptoms and can refer you to a specialist in HG if necessary.hg
Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is a normal part of being pregnant, but it can be very difficult to manage for some women.hg hg This can lead to problems such as esophageal tearing, ulcers, reflux, weight-loss, exhaustion and constipation.hg hg
If you're feeling sick a lot, or can't keep any food down, it's important that you tell your midwife or doctor as soon as possible.hg This is so they can give you the right treatment, including giving you fluids and medication.hg
You may need to have tests such as blood tests, a urine sample or ultrasound scan.hg hg hg These are used to check that your baby is growing correctly and if you're dehydrated they can measure how much water is in your body.hg
HG is very debilitating and can be life-threatening if you're not treated quickly.hg It can also put you at risk of malnutrition, which in turn could affect your baby.hg
It's very common for women with HG to be dehydrated, especially during the first few weeks of pregnancy.hg hg hg You need to drink as much as you can so you don't become very ill.hg You may need to be given a drip, or intravenously, to get the fluids you need.
When you're feeling nauseous or vomiting, you should try to eat a little bit and drink a lot of water or juice.hg You can also try eating dry foods, such as pasta, bread or rice.hg
Your GP or midwife can recommend medicines that can help, such as anti-sickness drugs, steroids, or a combination of these.hg hg These will help reduce the symptoms of HG, which can include nausea, vomiting, weight loss and dehydration.hg
You can also ask your midwife or doctor for information about other ways to cope with your symptoms, such as coping strategies, self-help groups and support services.hg They can also help you to find out about other people who are going through HG or have been through it.hg
Some women will be able to overcome their HG by their due date, but it's important that you seek medical treatment if you start to feel unwell and aren't able to stay hydrated.hg hg The earlier you start treatment, the better as it can reduce the chances of you being admitted to hospital and prevent you becoming dehydrated.hg