What are the causes of hyperemesis gravidarum?
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a condition characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, and weight loss during pregnancy. HG affects up to 2% of pregnant women, and can have a profound impact on a woman’s quality of life. In some cases, HG can lead to hospitalization and even death.
The exact cause of HG is unknown, but it is believed to be related to the high levels of hormones (estrogen and human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG) that are present during pregnancy. These hormones can cause the stomach to empty more slowly, which can lead to nausea and vomiting.
There are several other factors that may contribute to the development of HG, including:
• Genetics: Women who have a family history of HG are more likely to develop the condition themselves.
• Obesity: Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of HG.
• Age: Young women (under the age of 20) and older women (over the age of 35) are at a higher risk for HG.
• Stress: Women who are under a lot of stress (e.g., from a difficult pregnancy or a previous miscarriage) are more likely to develop HG.
• Hyperemesis gravidarum can have a severe impact on a woman’s quality of life. The constant nausea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and depletion of vital nutrients. In some cases, women with HG are unable to keep down any food or liquids, and must be hospitalized.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for HG, but there are some treatments that can help to ease the symptoms. These include:
• Anti-nausea medications: These can help to control the nausea and vomiting.
• Intravenous fluids: In cases of severe dehydration, a woman may need to receive fluids through an IV.
• Dietary changes: Eating small, frequent meals, and avoiding trigger foods (e.g., spicy or greasy foods) can help.
• Supplemental vitamins and minerals: A woman with HG may need to take supplements to replace vital nutrients that are being lost.
If you are pregnant and suffering from HG, it is important to talk to your doctor. There are treatments available that can help to improve your quality of life. Click for source
What are the consequences of untreated nausea and vomiting in pregnancy?
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms in pregnancy, affecting up to 80% of pregnant women. Although generally not harmful, uncontrolled nausea and vomiting can lead to serious consequences, including dehydration, weight loss, and malnutrition. In severe cases, it can even lead to death.
Dehydration is the most common complication of uncontrolled nausea and vomiting. When you vomit, your body loses fluids, electrolytes, and minerals, which can lead to dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, thirst, dark urine, fatigue, and dizziness. If left untreated, dehydration can lead to serious complications, such as kidney failure, seizures, and coma.
Weight loss is another common complication of uncontrolled nausea and vomiting. When you lose fluids through vomiting, you also lose calories. This can lead to weight loss, which can be harmful to both you and your baby.
Malnutrition is another serious complication of uncontrolled nausea and vomiting. When you can’t keep food down, your body isn’t able to get the nutrients it needs. This can lead to malnutrition, which can cause problems with your pregnancy, such as low birth weight, premature birth, and birth defects.
In severe cases, uncontrolled nausea and vomiting can lead to death. This is most likely to occur in cases of dehydration, where the body isn’t able to get the fluids it needs to function properly. It’s also more likely to occur in cases of malnutrition, where the body isn’t able to get the nutrients it needs.
If you’re experiencing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can help you manage your symptoms and prevent complications.
We used pregnancysicknesssuport.org.uk to write this article about anti emetic pregnancy. Visit the site.