While most women experience some form of morning sickness at the start of their pregnancy, a few may suffer from Hyperemesis Gravidarum – a severe form of the condition that can have different complications and side effects from general morning sickness.
It includes nausea and severe vomiting that doesn’t go away and typically requires hospitalisation.
Who is most at risk?
While every woman is at risk of developing Hyperemesis Gravidarum, there are a few factors which can increase your chances. When your doctor is trying to diagnose HG they will look for the following factors:
- If you are pregnant with more than one baby
- If you are overweight
- If you are a first-time mother
- If you have previously suffered from Hyperemesis Gravidarum
- If you have Trophoblastic disease - a condition that sees tumors grow inside a woman’s uterus.
- You're expecting a girl
- You have a family history of the condition
How do you know if you have it?
Hyperemesis Gravidarum is the more extreme version of morning sickness and you may suffer from one or all of the following symptoms:
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Food aversions
- Dehydration
- Headaches
- Fainting
- Confusion
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Low blood pressure
How can you treat it:
Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to help relieve some of your symptoms:
- Acupressure - can help reduce the nausea
- Drinking ginger or peppermint tea
- Getting rest
In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe the following:
- An intravenous drip to help restore electrolytes, vitamins and nutrients to the body
- Tube feeding
- Medication
