If pregnancy could be described in just one word, that word would be change. Everything in your life changes—your body, your habits, your feelings, your daily routine—your entire life transforms and you are never the same again. This is the most characteristic mark of having a child; it is a turning point in life, but it cannot be said that this change happens smoothly and peacefully. Quite the opposite, the most common experience, even in a so-called peaceful pregnancy, is that this period is one of the most turbulent times in your life. All of this commotion and influx of information can end up bringing some undesirable consequences, such as hyperemesis gravidarum, for example. If you’re not sure what it is, let’s talk about this condition that affects so many women in Brazil and can be a real problem during pregnancy.
What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
This condition can be classified as a pregnancy complication that occurs when there is excessive nausea and vomiting, known as emesis gravidarum. This excess interferes with the woman’s daily routine and can also harm the pregnancy, since the woman’s health becomes compromised. This is not a very common pregnancy complication, happening with only about 1.5% of women, but it is something that can become a real issue. Both common nausea and hyperemesis gravidarum are much more common in the first trimester of pregnancy, although they may also happen at other times during pregnancy.
What Causes Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
Pregnancy as a whole is characterized by drastic changes in the woman’s body, but the first three months have the most impact on certain parts of the body because this is when the transition really begins. The HCG hormone, which is produced by the placenta during pregnancy, is the major cause of nausea and vomiting, exactly because the woman’s body is not used to having so many hormones at once. Once the body starts to adjust to these changes, the symptoms tend to decrease. Hyperemesis happens when there is an overproduction of this hormone by the placenta. However, this is not the only cause of this complication. Women who are genetically more sensitive to hormonal changes may also suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum, as well as women who have some psychological disorder such as depression, for example.
How to Tell the Difference Between Simple Nausea and Hyperemesis?
Feeling nauseous during pregnancy, especially in the first three months, is very common. However, it’s important to know when these symptoms start to interfere with your life in some way. Therefore, it’s time to seek help when a woman is no longer able to carry out her daily activities because of vomiting and discomfort. For example, when a pregnant woman vomits whenever she eats something. This ends up harming her health, as food is not absorbed properly by the body, which can also be a problem for the baby. There is also another side to discuss, which is about women who think they have hyperemesis gravidarum, but are actually just experiencing common morning sickness. Again, what determines this is how much these symptoms are affecting the woman’s life and health. When in doubt, it’s always good to see a doctor for more concrete answers. 
Treatment for Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Once diagnosed, hyperemesis gravidarum has treatments to help alleviate symptoms so the woman can go back to enjoying her pregnancy more comfortably. Treatment for this condition consists of IV fluids to prevent dehydration in the pregnant woman, as well as medications given intravenously to help ease the symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum. Rest is also a great way to help women feel less stressed, which can also reduce nausea and discomfort. In some cases, psychological support can also be of great help.
Is the Baby Affected?
The biggest effects of hyperemesis gravidarum are on the mother, who can become dehydrated or even somewhat malnourished in more serious cases. But when we talk about pregnancy, we are talking about two people at once and, inevitably, the baby could be affected in some way. However, even if vomiting is very frequent and causes abdominal pain, the most that can happen to babies is they may be born a bit smaller than expected. This can be quickly recovered with good breastfeeding. That’s why, in cases like this, the main concern should be the mother’s health so she can have a healthy pregnancy. Feeling nauseous, unfortunately, is part of the process of carrying a child. Very few women make it through pregnancy without any problems with vomiting. Still, it is also true that most of this nausea is temporary, especially as the body gets used to the new hormone levels. Cases of hyperemesis gravidarum require more care and need the right diagnosis from a doctor so the woman can feel better. In any case, it’s important that the woman has a pregnancy where she feels well and that, despite hectic times, is peaceful for both her and the baby. So if the nausea starts to get in the way, it may be time to see a doctor and seek treatment. Also see: Is Diarrhea at the Start of Pregnancy Normal? Photo: Pixabay
