Chronic morning sickness

Unfortunately, majority of pregnant women have to face some level of morning sickness once they conceive. This health issue is predominantly present within the first trimester, and then gradually subsides in the second trimester. Even though many women can manage the problem and deal with it successfully, there is certain number of women who simply cannot fight against this physiological reaction which may significantly interfere in every day activities.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is the medical term used for morning sickness in pregnant women. It is essential to treat the condition if it is severe, because it may lead to many detrimental effects on both, the mother and the baby.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum Clinical Characteristics

Women suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum experience persistent, excessive vomiting. Namely, they vomit more than 3-4 times a day. Furthermore, they have to cope with unrelenting and quite severe nausea. Uncontrollable vomiting may easily lead to dehydration and all the accompanying symptoms and signs such as dry skin and visible mucous membranes, a decrease in urination etc. Since a woman simply cannot hold the food inside the stomach, there may also be maternal weight loss and failure to gain weight. Severe cases of hyperemesis gravidarum may be blamed for rapid heartbeat, headaches and confusion.

Extreme cases of hyperemesis gravidarum occur if there are a loss of greater than 5% of pre-pregnancy body weight, dehydration along with production of ketones, nutritional deficiencies, metabolic imbalances and a serious inability to participate in even the simplest every day activities.

Even though symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum tend to subside during the second or even third trimester of pregnancy, some women, unfortunately, may have to face this unpleasant issue throughout their pregnancies.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum - Complications of Severe Morning Sickness

There are several potential complications closely related to hyperemesis gravidarum. First of all, a woman may develop gastric ulcers. Her esophagus is severely irritated and this is a reason why sometime the organ may bleed. Inability to hold the food inside the stomach may cause malnutrition. Similarly, inadequate absorption of essential nutrients and vitamins may cause certain deficiencies. The last two complications also affect the baby who does not receive sufficient amount of nutrients, vitamins and minerals necessary for proper growth and development.

All the previously mentioned is essential to be considered when dealing with hyperemesis gravidarum. Extreme cases of morning sickness require adequate treatment and proper care. Such women are hospitalized and discharged only when the condition is brought under control and the mother and the baby are no longer at risk of developing any complication.