Hyperemesis Gravidarum–Morning Sickness that Requires Treatment
Morning sickness is a common complaint of pregnancy. While morning sickenss can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, and it just plain stinks, it doesn’t put you or your baby in any danger. If the normal nausea and vomiting of pregnancy becomes severe, however, morning sickness becomes Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) and requires medical treatment.
Some of the symptoms that make HG different from common morning sickness include weight loss of 5 pounds or more, vomiting of bile or blood, and an inability to eat or drink, to the point of becoming dehydrated and malnourished. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your care provider right away, so that you can begin treatment.
Treatment of HG is different for each woman. Doctor and midwives do agree, though, that early treatment is essential. The most common treatments for women with HG are bedrest and IV fluids, preferably with vitamins. After receiving IV fluids, dehydration is relieved, and many women report feeling much better. For severe cases, IV fluids can be administered at home. This way, a mother can have continuous fluids and, thereby, avoid cycling from hydration to vomiting and dehydration.
In addition to IV fluids, there are some medications that physicians will prescribe women who have been diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum. One of the most powerful is Droperidol. You may also be prescribed the anti-nausea drug Zofran, originally developed for chemotherapy patients. Other meds you may be prescribed include Compazine, Tigan, or Phenegren. Make sure you discuss any possible side effects of these meds with your care provider.
Mothers afflicted with Hyperemesis Gravidarum may find some relief in their symptoms by seeking treatment from an acupuncturist, chiropractor, or doctor of homeopathy. These disciplines have treatments expecially suited for the severe pregnancy nausea some women experience. However, if you have not been able to keep enough down, and dehydration remains an issue, then there is no substitute for the treatment of IV fluids.
Vitamin therapies also have the potential of easing symptoms in some women. Vitamin B6 has been known to work to reduce nausea and vomiting, when taken in 25-50mg doses, 3 times per day. There has also been some research to show that taking 5mg of Vitamin K and 500-1000mg of Vitamin C together can reduce, and at times, alleviate symptoms in some women after a few days of use.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a debilitating disease. Many women do find some relief after their first rimester is over; however, a number of women deal with severe nausea and vomiting for their entire 9 months of pregnancy. Regardless of how long a woman may suffer from HG, the time that she is subject to this constant nausea and vomiting is excruciating. It is difficult to lead any semblance of a “normal” life when you can keep nothing down, are tired, and just generally feel ill. Women suffering from HG must rely on a strong support system to help get them through this trying time.