Morning sickness is a normal part of pregnancy. However, for some women, the morning sickness can turn into something more serious that can have an impact on their pregnancy. If you are suffering from severe morning sickness, here is what you need to know.
What Causes Severe Morning Sickness?
During your pregnancy, you should experience some mild nausea during the first trimester. As the pregnancy progresses, the morning sickness should disappear. For some women, the morning sickness might continue beyond the first trimester and be more severe.
Hyperemesis gravidarum, or severe morning sickness, is a disorder that can last throughout the duration of the pregnancy. It can lead to complications, such as dehydration, which can be taxing on the mother's body and potentially impact the health of the unborn child.
The disorder is caused by the rapid increase in estrogen and human chorionic gonadotropin, or HCG. Women who are overweight, first-time mothers, or pregnant with multiples are more likely to experience severe morning sickness. The disorder is characterized by weight loss, vomiting several times a day, and severe dizziness.
What Can You Do?
If you believe that you have hyperemesis gravidarum, you need to see your OB/GYN. He or she will review the symptoms you have and conduct a physical examination. If you are diagnosed with the disorder, the treatment depends on the symptoms you are having and your current overall condition.
Your OB/GYN could recommend changes to your diet and lifestyle to control the condition. For instance, eating smaller frequent meals might be enough to stop or reduce the frequency of symptoms. Foods, such as crackers, can sometimes help prevent a bout of nausea.
If the symptoms persist, your OB/GYN could prescribe an anti-nausea medication. The medication is typically recommended when the nausea could potentially impact you and your baby's health. Without treatment of the nausea and vomiting, there is a potential for preterm labor or pre-eclampsia.
To protect you and your baby, your doctor might prescribe the use of vitamins and nutritional supplements. He or she could also require the use of intravenous fluids to help provide the nutrients needed and keep you from becoming dehydrated.
It is important that you identify any triggers that lead to nausea. Practicing avoidance of those triggers can lessen the likelihood that you experience symptoms. You also need to avoid fatty and spicy foods.
Your OB/GYN will help with creating a more detailed plan for dealing with the symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum. If you're interested, click for more info.
