Symptoms of Hyperemesis Gravidarum During Pregnancy
Hyperemesis gravidarum, or HG for short, is the most severe form of nausea and vomiting that occurs during pregnancy.hg It's a very debilitating and isolating illness that can last for weeks, months or up until delivery.hg
Symptoms of hg include vomiting several times a day, dehydration and weight loss.hg hg hg hg Your doctor might prescribe a medicine to help you feel better or prevent dehydration. You may need to go to a hospital to get treatment with IV fluids if you become dehydrated.
You might also need to have a blood test to check your levels of hCG and cortisol.hg These are hormones that normally rise in your body during pregnancy and are believed to be responsible for the symptoms of hg.hg
In the case of hg, hCG levels can quickly rise, and a rapid onset of symptoms often follows.hg hg hg hg This is because a woman's body reacts to the rapidly rising hCG levels by producing more of a hormone called cortisol.hg hg
There's no way to know for sure how many women have HG, but it is thought that it affects less than 3% of pregnant people.hg In rare cases, it can lead to health complications such as preterm labor or low birth weight.hg
This is why it's important to see your doctor as soon as you start having these symptoms.hg hg You can also make an appointment with a specialist obstetrician.hg
During a consultation, your doctor will ask you about the symptoms that you are experiencing and will perform a physical exam to see how bad they are.hg They will also ask you about your diet and if you are taking any medicines.hg
You might be given a medication to stop you vomiting, such as anti-sickness drugs (anti-emetic) or steroids.hg hg These can be given to you in a vein or via an injection.hg They're only used if the symptoms are very bad, or when you need them to prevent dehydration.
If you're not sick enough to keep food down, you can also have a liquid diet and drink lots of water.hg It's best to avoid foods that can cause you to vomit, such as chocolate and coffee.hg
Your doctor might also order tests to check for other conditions that can make you feel ill, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.hg hg These tests can help your doctor diagnose hg and recommend the right treatment for you.hg
Despite the severity of hg, you should not feel like you are a burden to your family and friends.hg hg They will be there for you and want to support you through this difficult time.hg
The cost of treating hg can be substantial, especially in the UK.hg hg The cost of inpatient hospitalisation is estimated to be more than $500 million a year, and there are also a large number of outpatient visits to emergency rooms for treatment.hg
These costs can be very high and if left unchecked, they can add up over time.hg The long-term effects of hg can be very disabling, with some patients having to be bedridden for months or even years before they can recover.hg hg They may also suffer from feelings of guilt and shame for not coping, as well as for missing work or neglecting their chores.