Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Day: Know symptoms, causes, and treatment
May 15 is observed as Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Day to spread the word about a really tough condition that affects pregnant women called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). It is way worse than regular morning sickness, causing constant throwing up, feeling sick, and even losing weight. Join us as we explore more on the symptoms, causes, and available treatment options for this condition.
Here's what our expert says
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition seen in pregnancy where excessive nausea and vomiting affects the nutrition of the mother and growth of the baby. It can be a life threatening condition if the electrolyte imbalance and the loss of fluids are not corrected in a timely fashion. It requires urgent management by the treating physician during which the patient is admitted in the hospital.
History of Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Day
Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Day was started by the HER Foundation on May 15, 2012. The HER Foundation is a nonprofit organization that was created in 2003 by Kimber Wakefield MacGibbon, Ann Marie King, and Jeremy King. Both MacGibbon and Marie have experienced HG. MacGibbon was the first to create a helpful website about HG in 2000 to provide support for women going through HG.
What is hyperemesis gravidarum?
You must know how pregnant women can feel queasy and throw up sometimes. Well, that's called morning sickness, and it is usually no big deal. But there's a super intense version called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). It is like morning sickness on steroids! HG brings on crazy nausea and vomiting that can be so severe that hospital treatment becomes necessary.
What are the symptoms of HG?
HG brings some really tough symptoms for pregnant women. It is like a never-ending wave of feeling sick all the time, losing interest in food, and throwing up a lot. It can make you feel dehydrated, lightheaded, and dizzy, and even cause significant weight loss due to nausea and vomiting. In most cases, HG begins during the first trimester of pregnancy.
What are the causes behind it?
Doctors don't have a clear answer yet on what causes HG. But it seems that the changing hormones during pregnancy might have something to do with it. Interestingly, if your mom had HG, you are more likely to experience it too. And if you have had HG in a previous pregnancy, chances are higher that you will experience it again.
How is it treated?
When you are feeling constantly nauseous and throwing up so much that you can't keep anything down, doctors will give you fluids and food directly into your veins through an IV. In some cases, medications are necessary to protect your health and that of the baby. Popular drugs like promethazine and meclizine are often used to control nausea and make you feel better.
