Nausea, especially in the morning, is commonly believed to be a part of almost every pregnancy . This isn’t inherently wrong, but in most cases it’s limited to a few hours a day and a few weeks to a few months of pregnancy . Morning sickness is unpleasant, but harmless, and can be easily treated with herbal remedies such as ginger or peppermint.
The situation is different with the severe form, hyperemesis gravidarum , which can lead to serious health problems for both mother and child.
Symptoms of extreme morning sickness
The difference between normal nausea with vomiting and pathological pregnancy nausea (hyperemesis gravidarum) is fluid.
Warning signs include frequent vomiting, more than five times a day over an extended period of time. In this case, the affected person may lose vital electrolytes and excessive water. If this persists, dangerous dehydration, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, nutritional deficiencies, impaired consciousness, and resulting falls are at risk.
In cases of frequent vomiting, warning signs include dizziness, headaches , confusion, and pain, as well as a “standing” crease on the back of the hand that doesn’t disappear or disappears only slowly when pulled up. Dark urine also indicates inadequate fluid intake.
However, those affected usually notice that they are no longer able to retain sufficient fluids and food.
If affected women lose more than five percent of their initial weight in the first three months without previously being overweight, medical attention is also recommended. In addition to the consequences already mentioned, there is a risk of esophageal damage and psychological problems.
For the child, this increases the likelihood of premature birth and reduced size and weight at birth . However, it does not cause miscarriage.
Causes of hyperemesis gravidarum
The exact cause of severe morning sickness has not yet been clarified. What is certain is that it is not, as previously assumed, a psychological problem.
Although a specific cause remains unknown, several risk factors have been identified. These include:
- young age of the pregnant woman
- hormonal peculiarities
- genetic disposition
- first pregnancy
- Multiple pregnancy
- Infection with the stomach-dwelling bacterium Heliobacter pylori
Often several of these factors come together – a total of 0.3 to 3 percent of all pregnant women are affected.
Treatment
Since the exact causes of severe morning sickness are unknown, it can only be treated symptomatically.
To do this, it must first be clarified whether there could be another cause, for example gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis, metabolic disorders, placental malformations or migraines.
If this is not the case, acute measures are particularly important:
- This includes infusions with the most important nutrients to regulate fluid balance and prevent deficiencies.
- Vitamin B6 is used primarily for medication; all other possible preparations, including those used to protect the esophagus, must be carefully checked for their suitability for pregnant women.
- Helicobacter infections should be treated.
Some behavioral changes can also help alleviate nausea. These include eating as many small meals as possible, rather than large ones, and avoiding meals that are neither very hot nor cold, nor heavily spiced. In the morning, it can help to eat a small snack like a dry biscuit in bed before getting up. Plenty of rest, meditation, and massage can also improve the situation.
Conclusion
Nausea and vomiting are unfortunately a part of life for some time in most pregnancies. They can be managed with home remedies and are usually harmless.
The situation is different if the vomiting becomes extreme and results in the affected person being unable to keep down food or liquids. In this case, medical treatment should be initiated to prevent health problems for mother and child.
