- How to know if it is hyperemesis gravidarum
- Does excessive vomiting harm the baby?
- How to control hyperemesis gravidarum
- What causes excess vomiting
Vomiting is common in early pregnancy, however, when the pregnant woman vomits several times throughout the day, for weeks, this can be a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum.
In these cases, there is persistence of nausea and vomiting in excess even after the 3rd month of pregnancy, which can cause malaise and end up compromising the nutritional status of the woman, generating symptoms such as dry mouth, increased heart rate and weight loss above 5% of the initial body weight.
In the mildest cases, treatment can be done at home with changes in the diet and use of antacid medications, for example, in the most severe cases, it may be necessary to stay in the hospital to restore the imbalance of fluids in the body and make remedies directly in vein.
How to know if it is hyperemesis gravidarum
In most cases, a woman suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum cannot relieve the urge to vomit using the most common natural remedies, such as lemon popsicles or ginger tea. In addition, other signs and symptoms may appear, such as:
- Difficulty eating or drinking something without vomiting afterwards; Loss of more than 5% of body weight; Dry mouth and decreased urine; Excessive tiredness; Tongue covered with a white layer; Acid breath, similar to alcohol; Increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure.
However, even if these signs and symptoms do not exist, but nausea and vomiting are making it difficult to carry out daily activities, it is very important to consult the obstetrician to assess the situation and identify if it is a case of hyperemesis gravidarum, starting get proper treatment.
Does excessive vomiting harm the baby?
In general, there are no consequences of excessive vomiting for the baby, but although they are rare, some situations can occur such as the baby being born with low weight, having a premature birth or developing a low IQ. But these complications only occur in cases where the hyperemesis is very severe or in the absence of adequate treatment.
How to control hyperemesis gravidarum
In the mildest cases where there is no marked weight loss or risk to the health of the mother or baby, treatment can be done with rest and good hydration. A nutritionist can advise a nutritional treatment, making the correction of acid-base and electrolyte disorders in the body.
Some homemade strategies that can help fight morning sickness and vomiting are:
- Eat 1 salt and water cracker as soon as you wake up, before getting out of bed; Take small sips of cold water several times a day, especially when you feel sick; Suck lemon or orange popsicles after meals; Avoid strong smells like perfumes and the preparation of meals.
However, in the most severe cases, it is possible that the pregnant woman does not feel any improvement after adopting these strategies, being necessary to consult the obstetrician again to start the use of a medicine for nausea, like Proclorperazine or Metoclopramida. If the pregnant woman still suffers from hyperemesis gravidarum and is losing a lot of weight, the doctor may advise staying in the hospital until the symptoms improve.
What causes excess vomiting
The main causes of excessive vomiting are hormonal changes and the emotional factor, however, this condition can also be caused by cytokines that penetrate the maternal circulation, vitamin B6 deficiency, allergic or gastrointestinal reaction and, therefore, one must seek medical help.
