Hyperemesis Gravidarum

What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

Hyperemesis gravidarum also known as HG, is a condition that is much more severe than normal  pregnancy sickness.

It can be so severe that a woman becomes dehydrated, lose weight could have to be admitted to hospital and put on a saline drip under specialist care.

Causes of Hyperemesis Gravidarum

It is thought that a lack of vitamin B6 in the diet may be a cause of HG.

You should be able to get enough vitamin B6 through a healthy, balanced diet. It's present in foods including cereals, wholemeal bread, cod, potatoes, milk and bananas. 

Vitamin B6 supplements may ease your symptoms, but don't take them without speaking to your doctor first as it's not clear how safe it is to take vitamin B6 supplements during pregnancy.

Symptoms of Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

The symptoms of HG go far beyond the discomfort of morning sickness and require urgent medical attention. 

They include:

Continued & severe nausea and vomiting

Dehydration caused by the vomiting

Ketosis - raised levels of toxic acidic chemicals in the blood called ketones

Losing weight due to inability to keep food down

Low blood pressure, known as hypotension, especially on standing up

Risk of DVT - deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in a vein) - due to dehydration

In terms of the quality of life, HG can affect a woman’s work, home life and family life due to frequent vomiting.

It’s been described by some women as like having your stomach turned inside out. This lasts for weeks and weeks and weeks. It can last throughout the whole pregnancy for some very unfortunate women.

Treatment of Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Is there anything that pregnant women can do themselves to alleviate the symptoms?

Doctors suggest trying to move less, avoiding tasks such as cleaning the house may help, as any movement may exacerbate the feeling of nausea. 

Rest and relaxation may be recommended as well as avoiding some smells, including food or cooking odours.

In some cases HG needs specialist treatment, and you will need to be admitted to hospital so that doctors can assess your condition and give you the right treatment. This can include intravenous fluids given through a drip to treat the ketosis and treatment to stop the vomiting.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is unpleasant with dramatic symptoms, but the good news is it's unlikely to harm your baby. However, if it causes you to lose weight during pregnancy there is an increased risk that your baby may be born smaller than expected.