What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

Expecting mothers must always make sure that the symptoms they feel are normal. During pregnancy, expecting mothers experience many symptoms, such as morning sickness, fatigue, swollen or tender breasts, bloating, constipation, and light spotting, to name a few. Some of these require medical attention, including one that is called Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG).

Definition of Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Morning sickness, a common symptom experienced by pregnant women, is characterized by vomiting and nausea. It is said the 70-80% of women experience morning sickness, especially in the first trimester. When nausea and vomiting escalate and persist past the first trimester, morning sickness becomes what is called Hyperemesis Gravidarum or excessive vomiting. When vomiting is severe, a pregnant woman can become dehydrated and could experience weight loss.

HG lasts from 14 to 20 weeks. Some of the symptoms may appear on the 4th week and escalate to its peak on the 9th week. It may last well up to the 13th week. In some instances, the severity of the symptoms may lessen on the 14th to 16th week. Still, they may last for the entire duration of the pregnancy.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum is said to be caused by multiple factors. The following conditions increase the risk factors for HG:

  • Hormonal imbalance or the presence of high levels of pregnancy hormones
  • Multiple pregnancies
  • Fat abnormalities in the blood
  • Hydatidiform mole or overgrowth of placenta tissue
  • Abnormalities in the movement of the gastrointestinal tract or peristalsis
  • Liver abnormalities

What are the Symptoms of Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

A woman who has HG experiences the following:

  • Severe vomiting
  • Nausea that persists
  • Low blood pressure
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Dehydration
  • Confusion
  • Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
  • Rapid Heart rate
  • Metabolic imbalances
  • A heightened sense of smell
  • Aversion to some kinds of food
  • Weight loss (5% of pre-pregnancy weight)
  • Decreased urination
  • Skin becomes less elastic
  • Parathyroid or overactive thyroid

Women with certain conditions have a higher risk of getting HG. The following have a higher rate of having HG:

  • First-time moms
  • Overweight women
  • When the infant baby is female
  • Young moms
  • Women with severe emotional stress
  • Women with endocrine imbalances
  • Women with H. pylori infection
  • Women carrying multiple babies
  • Women with mothers who also had HG

Treatment for Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Hyperemesis Gravidarum can be so severe that it impedes the daily activities of a pregnant woman. When not addressed properly, it can lead to severe weight loss and dehydration.

Women with HG can seek treatment and recovery, such as dietary changes, medications that address nausea, rest, and hydration. However, it is not advisable to self-medicate. It is vital to set an appointment with a physician when morning sickness and other symptoms become severe.

When there is excessive vomiting, the pregnant woman must be brought to the hospital where she can receive IV fluids to avoid dehydration. Anyone experiencing HG should never drink medicine without consulting a doctor first because some medication may be harmful in fetal development.

What Is The Effect of HG on Babies?

Although the result of HG on babies shows that they are usually born with normal outcomes, some severe cases can be harmful to both the mother and the baby. Severe vomiting can lead to dehydration. It can lead to several conditions that will affect the baby, such as:

  • Premature labor
  • Low amniotic fluid
  • Birth defects
  • Low production of breast milk
  • Neural tube defects or birth defects of the spine, spinal cord, and brain

How Will HG Affect Pregnant Women?

Women who have HG experience some health issues like hormonal imbalances, electrolyte imbalances, depression, and difficulty with daily activities. After giving birth, some women experience PTSS or post-traumatic stress syndrome. Women who have experienced HG during pregnancy have a greater risk of PTSS than those who have experienced a normal pregnancy.  In some rare instances, severe complications may arise and result in the following conditions:

  • Liver disease
  • Kidney failure
  • Seizures
  • Brain swelling
  • Blindness
  • Ruptured esophagus
  • Collapsed lung
  • Blood clots
  • Coma
  • Death

Contact The Clark Law Office to Speak with Experienced Birth Injury Lawyers

Hyperemesis Gravidarum is only one of many conditions that can lead to birth trauma or death. We understand that birth injuries can cause emotional and financial damages to your whole family.

Where birth injuries could be due to negligence or malpractice, it is important to hold them liable and assert your right to compensation. If your child suffered a birth injury caused by the negligence of medical practitioners, call The Clark Law Office today for a free initial consult.

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