Hyperemesis Gravidarum

I wanted to share the information that I have found by doing my own research on this. I was officially diagnosed with hyperemesis as of last night 5/10/2012 while being in the hospital due to vomiting and not able to keep food or fluids down. I saw Dr Monte today and we are trying some of the treatments that I have outlined in this before doing IV Hometreatment which means that I will have hospics come in home to treat me. I'm currently 6 weeks and 2 days pregnant with baby #2. I suffered with some morning sickness with my son, Ayden, until I was around 12 weeks along. This pregnancy has been harder on me. I'm happy to learn more and that I'm will to keep myself and my baby healthy no matter what I have to due. As it sits I am on 3 medications to treat this. I have two different Zofran and two different Phenergan.

Both Matt and I have talked about wanting to share information when it comes to different things that comes with pregnancy. As we learn more I will be happy to post as we go through the pregnancy and journey to my VBAC with baby #2.

Nearly all women suffer from Morning sickness during pregnancy. Morning sickness is a some amount of nausea or vomiting normally during the first 3 months of pregnancy also known as the 1st trimester. It is believed that the rapidly rising blood levels of a hormone called HCG ( I covered what HCG stood for in a previous post), absolute cause is still unknown. Extreme nausea and vomiting during pregnancy can happend if you are pregnant with twins or more.

Usually nausea and vomiting peaks between 2 and 12 weeks of pregnancy and goes away by the second trimester or second half of pregnancy. With the proper identification of symptoms and careful follow-up, this condition rarely presents any serious complications.

70-80% experience some type of morning sickness. Recent studies show that at least 60,000 cases of extreme morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Only about 20% of the women continue to have HG or some type of morning sickness through the entire pregnancy.

Usual symptoms are:
1) Severe, persistent nausea during pregnancy, often leads to weight loss
2) Lightheadedness or fainting.

Here are the difference between Morning sickness and Hyperemesis Gravidarum.

Morning sickness:
Nausea "sometimes" accompanied by vomiting
Nausea that subsides at 12 weeks or soon after
Vomiting that does not cause severe dehydration
Vomiting that allows you to keep some food down.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum:
Nausea accompanied by "severe" vomiting
Nausea that does not subside
Vomiting that causes severe dehydration
Vomiting that does not allow you to keep any food down.

Signs and symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum:
1) Severe nausea and vomiting
2) Food aversions
3) Weight loss of 5% or more of pre-pregnancy weight
4) Decrease in urination
5) Dehydration
6) Headaches
7) Confusion
8) Fainting
9) Jaundice
10)Extreme fatigue
11)Low blood pressure
12)Rapid heart rate
13)Loss of skin elasticity
14)Secondary anxiety/depression

Signs that drs look for is usually a physical exam, blood pressure maybe low and pulse may be high. As labs are run to check for signs of dehydration by checking your Hematocrit and Urine Ketones.

Here are some of the different treatments that can be done to help with any type of morning sickness or Hyperemesis Gravidarum.
1) Small, frequent meals and eating dry foods such as crackers may help relieve uncomplicated nausea.
2) Drink plenty of fluids. Increase fluids during the times of the day that the nausea is at its least. Usually fluids is Seltzer, ginger ale, or other sparkling waters. (I usually drink plenty of water, crystal light and juices.)
3) Vitamin B6 (no more then 100 mg daily) only if your OB approves this. Mine has suggested using this along with the medications that he currently has me on for HG.
4) Medication to prevent nausea is reserved for cases where vomiting is presistent and severe enough to present a potential risk. In severe cases, you may be admitted to the hospital, where fluids will be given through IV.

This is in some of the cases of Hyperemesis Gravidarum:
1) Intravenous fluids (IV)-to restore hydration, electrolytes, vitamins, and nutrients.
2) Tube feeding- a)Nasogastric-restores nutrients through a tube passing through the nose and to the stomach. b) Precutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy-restores nutrients through a tube passing through the abdomen and to the stomach; requires a surgical procedure.
3) Medications-metoclopramide, antihistamines, and antireflux medications**
Other treatments may include:
1) Bed rest-This may provide comfort, but be cautious and aware of the effects of the muscle and weight loss due to too much bed rest.
2) Acupressure-The pressure point to reduce nausea is located at the middle of the inner wrist, three finger lengthes away from the crease of the wrist, and between the two tendons. Locate and press firmly, once wrist at a time for three minutes. Sea bands also help with acupressure and can be found at your local drug store.
3) Herbs-ginger or preppermint
4) Homeopathic remedies are a non-toxic system of medicines. Do not try to self medicate with homeopathic methods; havve a doctor prescribe the proper remedy and dose.
5) Hypnosis

**When it comes to medications, it is very important that you weigh that risks and the benefits. Some drugs may have adverse effects on you or the development of the baby. Discuss the risks and sude effects of each drug with your doctor.



HCG= Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
HG= Hyperemesis Gravidarum
VBAC= Vaginal Birth After C-section