Hyperemesis gravidarum

Nausea is a common, albeit unpleasant, but harmless side effect for most women in the first months of pregnancy. But what if the nausea is so severe that you can hardly keep food down and constantly have to vomit? Then you are probably suffering from the so-called hyperemesis gravidarum. Read in this article how to distinguish it from normal pregnancy nausea, what the causes are, and what helps.

Normal nausea or hyperemesis gravidarum?

Between 70 and 80 % of pregnant women complain of nausea and vomiting during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy—especially in the morning and late morning. However, after about three months, you usually get through it. Because by then, the level of the pregnancy hormone responsible for the nausea, "human chorionic gonadotropin," or hCG, no longer increases.

Unfortunately, nausea is common in many pregnancies. However, it is usually not a cause for concern. But very rare is experiencing severe morning sickness. Medical professionals then refer to it as hyperemesis gravidarum, which translates to "excessive vomiting during pregnancy." If you are suffering from this extreme form, you must more than ten times a day hand over and can do as well as no food or drinks keep with you. Usually, the complaints begin between the 6. und 8th week of pregnancy and reach in the 12th week of pregnancy their peak. An improvement usually occurs around the 20th week of pregnancy around one.

If you are diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum, you will be treated on an outpatient basis or hospitalized for a few days depending on the severity. You will receive infusions to counteract possible deficiencies. All of this probably sounds very serious at first. And it is also important to take the extreme nausea seriously – if you seek early treatment, the therapy often works quickly, and you do not have to fear any health problems for your baby or yourself.

What are the consequences of hyperemesis gravidarum for you?

The severe nausea and constant vomiting place immense strain on your body. Without proper treatment, the following health problems may occur:

• Weakness and circulatory problems

• Weight loss of more than 5 %

• Dehydration (Water Shortage)

• Electrolyte disturbances

• Deficiencies of vitamins, fats, minerals, sugars, etc.

Hyperemesis gravidarum often also presents as a severe condition. Stress on your psyche give. Your body has to endure an incredible amount, and you're probably mainly thinking about your little explorer in your belly and worrying about how it's doing. Therefore, sleep disturbances and Fears in connection with this extreme pregnancy nausea. If you notice that many fears and worries are swirling around in your head, talk to your gynecologist or the medical staff treating you inpatient about it. Together, you can consider what might help you and how you can get support. You don't have to face this extreme situation alone.

Talk also with your partner about your worries. Communicate openly about how he or she can help you and what you need. At the same time, you should understand that it is also a difficult situation for your partner to see how badly you are doing. Family or a good friend can provide support, so that no one feels abandoned.

What are the effects of hyperemesis gravidarum on your baby?

Due to deficiencies during pregnancy, it can worst-case scenario lead to a Preterm birth as well as to a reduced weight and one smaller body size at the Birth come. However, this is only the case if you are not treated in time. The doctors will do everything they can to ensure that your little explorer is also doing well. With early therapy, hyperemesis gravidarum does not cause any further complications in the majority of pregnancies.

Causes and Risks

The exact cause of extreme morning sickness is not yet fully understood. For a long time, extreme stress and intense tension were suspected as causes, but this could not be scientifically proven so far. Instead, it is more likely that a Interaction of multiple factors causes hyperemesis gravidarum. These can include:

• Special sensitivity to smells

• Psychosomatic Disorders

• Elevated hormone levels: hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), estrogen, prostaglandin, thyroid hormones (T4, TSH)

• Vitamin B deficiency

• Inertia of the esophagus and stomach

• Insufficient lower esophageal sphincter

• Infection with the stomach ulcer pathogen Helicobacter pylori

• Genetic predisposition

Additionally, there is Risk Factors , which promote extreme nausea:

• Overweight

• Eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia

• Thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism or Hashimoto's thyroiditis

• Diseases of the parathyroid glands

• Late first pregnancy (over 35 years)

• Multiple pregnancy

What helps with hyperemesis gravidarum?

The most important thing with hyperemesis gravidarum is to stop nausea and vomiting and to compensate for deficiencies so that you regain your strength. As mentioned at the beginning, you should definitely see your gynecologist. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you will receive Medications for nausea and Electrolyte or you are hospitalized in the hospital. Here, the doctors and medical staff assist you with infusions and, if necessary, artificial nutrition to help you get back on your feet quickly.

It can also help if you your Eating habits adjusted. Perhaps six to eight is more tolerable for you smaller portions Eat throughout the day instead of one large portion. Try out what tastes good to you and does not cause nausea – many women find foods like dry crackers and oatmeal easy to tolerate. For drinking, the best options for the stomach are low- or zero-carbonated beverages, which you take in small sips.

Some women experience an improvement in symptoms through Acupressure, acupuncture, or psychotherapy . Ask your gynecologist what else you can do yourself besides medication. Surely, she or he has some recommendations. Our LILLYDOO gynecologist Christian shares in the article " This helps against morning sickness " his tips.

We hope you get well soon and can continue to enjoy your pregnancy!