HYPEREMESIS (Excessive vomiting in pregnancy)

What is it?
Nausea and Vomiting in the first 3 months of pregnancy is called morning sickness. This maybe experienced by 50% of pregnant women.
About 1-2% of these women may experience severe form of this which when is called Hyperemesis Gravidarum. The concern of over hyperemesis is that it can lead to derangements in body’s fluid and electrolytes (body’s mineral) content, weight loss and liver damage. This may affect growth of the baby.

What are the causes?
The cause is not fully understood, but maybe hormone related.  It is commonly seen in multiple pregnancies ( twins or more) and is also seen in abnormal pregnancies like molar pregnancy.

What are the signs and symptoms?
Excessive vomiting – may or may not be related to eating, weight loss, dehydration and weakness. These are all related to the loss of nutrients and minerals in the vomitus. In very severe cases the mineral and electrolyte imbalance may be severe enough to require hospitalised care.

What is the treatment?
Your doctor will rule out other causes of excessive vomiting and will make an assessment of your condition. The condition may require hospitalization based on the severity.
Medications may be started to reduce nausea and vomiting.
Management is based on improve hydration and replacement of electrolytes lost and adequate nutrition.