Hyperemesis Gravidarum—Severe Nausea During Pregnancy

Nausea and vomiting can be among the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy. However, if these symptoms become severe, this could indicate hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). HG during pregnancy is a more intense form of morning sickness that can lead to serious complications and often requires medical treatment. If you are experiencing HG in pregnancy, it's important to understand the difference between this condition and regular morning sickness, as well as the potential HG pregnancy complications that may arise. This article will help you learn about the symptoms and management strategies of a hyperemesis gravidarum pregnancy.

What Is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a persistent and severe form of nausea and vomiting that occurs during pregnancy. Unlike regular morning sickness, HG may lead to significant dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and even weight loss exceeding 5% of your body weight. If left untreated, these complications might affect your baby’s birth weight and increase the risk of preterm birth. To understand HG pregnancy better, it's crucial to differentiate it from less severe nausea, as this condition often requires specific medical attention.

When does Hyperemesis Gravidarum Start?

Hyperemesis gravidarum usually starts between 4 and 6 weeks of pregnancy before the nine weeks mark, and often improves by the second trimester. Symptoms can appear as early as the first month of pregnancy, though they may not be immediately recognized.

How Long Does Hyperemesis Gravidarum Last?

Although up to 85% of pregnant people experience some degree of morning sickness during pregnancy, hyperemesis gravidarum affects only about 3% of them.

If your symptoms continue beyond the early months, it’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your condition and ensure both your health and your baby’s well-being. Unsure what week of pregnancy you’re in? Try our Due Date Calculator below to find out how far along you are.

What Are the Symptoms of Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

Hyperemesis gravidarum symptoms can be much more severe than typical morning sickness. The primary indicators include:

• Severe nausea and vomiting. Vomiting more than three times a day may lead to serious complications, including dehydration and weight loss​.

• Dehydration. Symptoms like dry mouth, reduced urination, and dark-colored urine are common. It's essential to stay hydrated by drinking fluids like water or ginger ale when possible​.

• Dizziness. Feeling lightheaded is another sign that your body is not retaining enough fluids, a common consequence of HG​.

• Weight loss. Losing more than five pounds in two weeks is a significant concern and should prompt immediate consultation with your healthcare provider​.

• Dental problems. Frequent vomiting may erode tooth enamel due to stomach acids. Rinsing your mouth with a baking soda solution after vomiting can help protect your teeth​.

If you notice any of these hg symptoms, it's important to seek medical advice immediately as they are typically pregnancy warning signs you shouldn’t ignore.

Throwing Up While Pregnant

Throwing up during pregnancy is a common experience, but excessive vomiting can be concerning. This condition goes beyond typical morning sickness, leading to continuous vomiting while pregnant, which requires medical attention. Managing this extreme vomiting during pregnancy is vital to maintaining your health and the health of your baby.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum vs. Morning Sickness

You might be wondering whether you’re experiencing morning sickness or hyperemesis gravidarum, also known as severe morning sickness. Your healthcare provider is the only one who can diagnose what you have, but here are some of the differences between the two conditions:

Signs and Risk Factors of Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum signs often emerge early in pregnancy and can be more severe than typical pregnancy symptoms. The condition may be triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy such as increases in your hCG and estrogen levels.

Certain factors might increase your risk of developing hyperemesis gravidarum:

• Family history. If your mother or sister experienced signs of hyperemesis during their pregnancies, you may be more likely to experience it as well, as it tends to run in families.

• Carrying multiples. Being pregnant with twins or more increases the likelihood of developing this condition​.

• Underlying health conditions. In some cases, an underlying thyroid or liver disorder might contribute to the development of hyperemesis gravidarum​.

• Baby’s gender. Although it's not always the case, hyperemesis gravidarum is more common in pregnancies where the baby is female.

If you recognize any of these hyperemesis gravidarum signs, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider to manage your symptoms effectively and ensure the health of both you and your baby.

Treatment for Hyperemesis Gravidarum

When dealing with hyperemesis gravidarum, the severity of your symptoms will determine the appropriate course of action. If you are experiencing significant weight loss or frequent vomiting, your healthcare provider may recommend hospitalization to ensure both you and your baby receive the necessary care.

Here are some common hyperemesis gravidarum treatments:

• IV fluids and vitamins. To combat dehydration and nutrient deficiencies caused by persistent vomiting, your provider may administer fluids and vitamins through an IV drip​.

• Prescription medications. To control the severe nausea and vomiting associated with hyperemesis gravidarum, your provider might prescribe medications specifically designed to alleviate these symptoms​.

• Feeding tube. In extreme cases where weight loss is a major concern, you might require a feeding tube to ensure that both you and your baby receive sufficient nutrients​.

How to Prevent Hyperemesis Gravidarum

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent a HG pregnancy, there are certain steps and at-home treatments you can try to help manage and potentially reduce the severity of hyperemesis gravidarum symptoms. Prevention of hyperemesis gravidarum largely focuses on mitigating nausea triggers and maintaining overall well-being.

To ease nausea and prevent it from escalating, your healthcare provider may suggest several strategies:

• Avoiding triggers. Identifying and avoiding specific odors and flavors that exacerbate your nausea can be a simple yet effective way to manage symptoms.

• Sticking to a bland diet. Eating bland foods like bananas, rice, or toast may help keep your stomach settled.

• Taking vitamin B6. Supplementing with vitamin B6, in combination with your other prenatal vitamins, has been shown to help reduce nausea in some pregnant women​.

• Drinking ginger tea. Sipping on ginger tea is a popular remedy that many pregnant people find soothing. While not scientifically proven, ginger is often recommended for its potential to alleviate nausea​.

• Wearing acupressure wristbands. These wristbands provide acupressure, and they’re often used to help with motion or seasickness. Although these products are not scientifically proven to treat nausea, many pregnant people believe that they provide some relief.

By integrating these preventive measures into your routine, you may be able to reduce the intensity of hyperemesis gravidarum symptoms and improve your comfort during pregnancy. However, it's always important to consult your healthcare provider before trying new remedies or supplements.

When to Call Your Healthcare Provider

If you experience persistent nausea, vomiting more than three times a day, or significant weight loss during pregnancy, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider immediately to prevent complications. Always seek advice if you're unable to keep fluids down or if you feel dizzy and dehydrated.

The Bottom Line

Having hyperemesis gravidarum is tough, no doubt about it. Try to keep in mind that your healthcare provider will help you find a way to get through it. Believe it or not, the nausea and vomiting will probably pass as you get into the second trimester. You can also check out one mom’s personal experience with hyperemesis gravidarum and the treatments she received during three pregnancies.

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_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}