Overview Of Morning Sickness – Hyperemesis
Morning Sickness – Hyperemesis is extreme, persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalances. Morning sickness is mild nausea and vomiting that occurs in early pregnancy.
Commonly Associated With
Nausea – hyperemesis; Vomiting – hyperemesis; Pregnancy – hyperemesis
Causes Of Morning Sickness – Hyperemesis
Most women have some nausea or vomiting (morning sickness), particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy. The exact cause of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is not known. However, it is believed to be caused by a rapidly rising blood level of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). HCG is released by the placenta. Mild morning sickness is common. Hyperemesis gravidarium is less common and more severe.
Women with hyperemesis gravidarum have extreme nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It can cause a weight loss of more than 5% of body weight. The condition can happen in any pregnancy but is a little more likely if you are pregnant with twins (or more babies), or if you have a hydatidiform mole. Women are at higher risk for hyperemesis if they have had the problem in previous pregnancies or are prone to motion sickness.
Symptoms Of Morning Sickness – Hyperemesis
Morning sickness can cause decreased appetite, low-level nausea, or vomiting. This is different from true hyperemesis because people are typically still able to eat and drink fluids some of the time.
Symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum are much more severe. They may include:
- Severe, persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy
- Salivating a lot more than normal
- Weight loss
- Signs of dehydration such as dark urine, dry skin, weakness, lightheadedness or fainting
- Constipation
- Inability to take in adequate amounts of fluid or nutrition
Exams & Tests
Your health care provider will do a physical exam. Your blood pressure may be low. Your pulse may be high.
The following laboratory tests will be done to check for signs of dehydration:
- Complete blood count
- Electrolytes
- Urine ketones
- Weight loss
- Your provider may need to run tests to make sure you do not have liver and gastrointestinal problems.
A pregnancy ultrasound will be done to see if you are carrying twins or more babies. Ultrasound also checks for a hydatidiform mole.
Treatment Of Morning Sickness – Hyperemesis
Morning sickness can most often be managed by avoiding triggering foods that trigger the problem and drinking plenty of fluids when the symptoms let up in order to stay hydrated.
If your nausea and vomiting cause you to become dehydrated, you will receive fluids through an IV. You also may be given anti-nausea medicine. If nausea and vomiting is so severe that you and your baby might be in danger, you will be admitted to the hospital for treatment. If you can’t eat enough to get the nutrients you and your baby need, you may get extra nutrients either through an IV or a tube placed into your stomach.
To help manage symptoms of morning sickness – hyperemesis at home, try these tips.
- Avoid triggers. You may notice that certain things can trigger nausea and vomiting. These may include:
- Certain noises and sounds, even the radio or TV
- Bright or blinking lights
- Toothpaste
- Smells such as perfume and scented bathing and grooming products
- Pressure on your stomach (wear loose-fitting clothes)
- Riding in a car
- Taking showers
- Eat and drink when you are able. Take advantage of the times you feel better to eat and drink. Eat small, frequent meals. Try dry, bland foods such as crackers or potatoes. Try eating any foods that appeal to you. See if you can tolerate nutritious smoothies with fruits or vegetables.
- Increase fluids during times of the day when you feel least nauseated. Seltzer, ginger ale, or other sparkling drinks may help. You can also try using low-dose ginger supplements or acupressure wrist bands to ease symptoms.
- Vitamin B6 (no more than 100 mg daily) has been shown to decrease nausea in early pregnancy. Ask your provider if this vitamin might help you. Another medicine called doxylamine (Unisom) has been shown to be very effective and safe when combined with Vitamin B6 for nausea in pregnancy. You can buy this medicine without a prescription.
