Morning sickness is a fairly common occurrence in pregnancy, but in some rare cases, a woman will suffer from severe morning sickness. This condition, also known as hyperemesis gravidarum, is characterized by extreme, persistent nausea and excessive vomiting which can continue throughout the pregnancy. It can lead to dangerous side effects, including dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, and a loss of more than 5% of body weight. Women in this situation need to seek medical assistance. If left untreated, women may put their own health and that of their unborn child at risk.
The primary symptom of severe morning sickness is ongoing, intense nausea and vomiting. This in turn typically leads to some severe impacts to the mother's body. Dehydration is common, as well as other effects due to dehydration such as fatigue, dry skin, and decreased urination. Being unable to keep any food down can lead to malnourishment. Some women may experience retinal hemorrhaging from the force of vomiting uncontrollably.
There is no clear cause for severe morning sickness, but research has shown there are several possible culprits. High levels of the pregnancy hormone hCG or estrogen during pregnancy may be to blame. Women with acid reflux may be more susceptible. Vitamin B deficiency and thyroid imbalances are also suspected to be causes.
Certain women have an increased risk of developing severe morning sickness. Anyone who has suffered from it with a prior pregnancy has a higher chance of having it again. Women carrying twins are also at risk, possibly due to higher hormone levels. Younger mothers and those who are obese may be more likely to have this issue.
Severe morning sickness poses risks to both mother and child if not treated appropriately. The mother may lose weight and become malnourished to the point that it is life threatening. Over time, the gall bladder, liver, and stomach may be affected. Premature labor and decreased birth weight are both risks to the baby.
There are several treatment options for severe morning sickness. Women suffering dehydration and malnutrition may require IV fluids or tube feeding. Certain drugs may be used to bring the nausea and vomiting under control; however, they may pose risks to the fetus and should be discussed with a doctor. Some women may be able to treat the condition successfully using non-medical techniques such as acupuncture, hypnosis, or acupressure bands. Vitamin B6 has also proved to be an effective treatment in some cases.
