If you've undergone fertility treatment, you may be concerned about ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). OHSS symptoms range from mild to severe, according to Duke Health, and affect up to 5 percent of people who have taken medicine to stimulate the ovaries. OHSS is worsened by the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which surges during pregnancy. As a result, OHSS may last longer and be more severe if a woman becomes pregnant, says Medline Plus.
Bloated Abdomen
In mild cases of OHSS, the abdomen may swell slightly. Intermittent mild pain may accompany this bloating, according to the Mayo Clinic. In more severe cases, the abdomen can become quite swollen and highly painful. Severe cases are much more rare than mild cases of OHSS and require prompt medical attention and hospitalization.
Weight Gain
Slight weight gain may occur when a woman is pregnant and has mild OHSS. If weight gain exceeds 10 pounds in three to five days, however, a more severe case of OHSS may be present, reports Medline Plus. Duke Health suggests that anyone suffering from OHSS weigh themselves every day at the same time of day using the same scale to monitor for severity of the condition.
Gastrointestinal Upset
Both mild and severe forms of OHSS may include gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. If you are also pregnant while suffering from OHSS, some of these symptoms may be caused by fluctuations in hormones that normally occur in early pregnancy. Duke Health reports that there is no way to alleviate gastrointestinal upset, but you should be sure to drink plenty of fluids (at least 10 to 12 glasses a day) to counteract any lost fluids. Alcohol and caffeine should be avoided.
Dark Urine
The Mayo Clinic reports that dark urine can be a symptom of severe OHSS. This occurs because large volumes of fluid are retained in and around the ovaries during OHSS, leading to dehydration. Drink enough to have pale yellow or clear urine. Intravenous fluids may be necessitated if you cannot drink enough to counteract the dehydrating effects of OHSS.
Shortness of Breath
In severe cases of OHSS, shortness of breath may occur, according to Medline Plus. This is a sign that you need to seek immediate medical attention, as OHSS can be life threatening. A chest x-ray, blood work and an ultrasound will probably be performed, and you most likely will need intravenous fluids. Do not allow a doctor to perform a pelvic examination or a forceful inspection of the abdomen while you are at the hospital. The reproductive endocrinologist who performed your fertility treatment will most likely be the best source of knowledgeable medical assistance when you have OHSS and are pregnant.
