How to Tell the Difference Between Morning Sickness and Hyperemesis

About half of all pregnant women report feeling ill during the first few months of their pregnancies. Usually, it’s due to morning sickness but in some cases, it’s because of a condition known as hyperemesis. Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two since they share some of the same symptoms. But there are a few distinct differences.

Instructions

How to Tell the Difference Between Morning Sickness and Hyperemesis

• 1

  Morning sickness often lasts for the first trimester before it subsides. The main symptoms of morning sickness are nausea, vomiting and a sensitivity to smells. As inconvenient as morning sickness is, it is not harmful. In fact, it’s a sign of a healthy pregnancy.

• 2

  Hyperemesis on the other hand may pose a threat to the health of both the mother and her unborn baby. The symptoms tend to be more severe and often persist well beyond the first trimester. Symptoms include extreme nausea, excessive vomiting or the urge to vomit after eating or drinking.

• 3

  Hyperemesis can also be distinguished by its secondary symptoms which are caused by the body’s constant inability to hold down food. They include weight loss, light-headedness or fainting, infrequent urination, jaundice and dehydration.

• 4

  Morning sickness helps reduces the chances for a miscarriage. Hyperemesis can increase the risk for miscarriage .