health
What is hyperemesis gravidarum and how does it affect pregnant women?
One of the main symptoms that some women experience during pregnancy is nausea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting. This sensation can occur at any time and often appears one or two months after becoming pregnant.
TL;DR
- Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of pregnancy nausea and vomiting, starting between 4-6 weeks of gestation.
- It affects 0.3% to 3% of pregnant women and is characterized by persistent vomiting, significant weight loss (over 5%), dehydration, and metabolic issues.
- Diagnosis is not standardized and often requires hospitalization for those unable to tolerate oral intake or respond to medication.
- Treatment involves intensive intravenous fluid therapy, electrolyte correction, and antiemetic medications.
- Untreated hyperemesis gravidarum can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, urinary tract infections, esophageal damage, cardiac arrhythmias, rhabdomyolysis, and severe nutritional deficiencies.