The Definition of Hyperemesis

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a health condition that affects pregnant women and is characterized by severe nausea and vomiting. While nearly 70% to 80% of pregnant women experience regular morning sickness, only 1% experience the extreme symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum.

Symptoms

• Nausea and vomiting is so intense and unrelenting in cases of hyperemesis gravidarumthat that the patient is unable to ingest sufficient food and water. In some extreme cases, hyperemesis gravidarum can result in weight loss (often greater than 10% of the pre-pregnancy body weight), nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, metabolic imbalances, weakness, lightheadedness and fainting.

Causes

• While the exact cause of hyperemesis gravidarum remains unknown, some research has revealed a correlation between the condition and the hormones of pregnancy. In this theory, elevated levels of human chorionic gonadotropin may cause the severe symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum.

Difference Between Morning Sickness and Hyperemesis Gravidarum

• Hyperemesis gravidarum and morning sickness share many similarities, such as symptoms of nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. The symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum are far more severe. Nausea is only sometimes accompanied by vomiting in morning sickness and is not severe enough to cause severe dehydration and the other dangerous side effects that often accompany hyperemesis gravidarum. Additionally, the symptoms of morning sickness usually subsides at around the 12th week of pregnancy. Hyperemesis gravidarum often lasts through 21 weeks and in some cases fails to subside at all.

Treatments

• Women with hyperemesis gravidarum must drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and must get proper nutrition. Some women tolerate eating several smaller meals throughout the day more easily. Doctors may prescribe medications such as antihistamines in some cases, or anti-reflux medications, IVs for hydration and nutrients, or bed rest to help alleviate symptoms.