Hyperemesis is a rare condition experienced by 1 percent of pregnant women. It is an extreme form of morning sickness. The exact cause of hyperemesis is unknown, so it is not possible to prevent it from occurring. The University of Rochester Medical Center notes that women carrying more than one baby have an increased risk of developing hyperemesis. Also, if a woman has had hyperemesis during one pregnancy, she is more likely to develop it again in subsequent pregnancies.
Symptoms
Hyperemesis symptoms include very severe nausea and vomiting, which results in a difficulty to keep food and fluids down. As a result, significant weight loss may occur, as much as 5 percent of the woman's total body weight or more. Dehydration often results from excessive fluid loss, and an inability to replenish fluids. A decrease in urinary output, headaches and fainting may result from fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance.
Time Frame
Hyperemesis symptoms may last throughout pregnancy. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, most symptoms of hyperemesis usually begin between 4 and 10 weeks into gestation. For many women, symptoms resolve themselves halfway through pregnancy around, at around 20 weeks. Unfortunately, for 22 percent of hyperemesis patients, symptoms last until the baby is delivered.
Complications
The University of Rochester Medical Center explains that hyperemesis can become dangerous due to shortages of important electrolytes that occur due to dehydration and an inability to eat regular meals. In very severe cases, liver damage may occur, resulting in jaundice or a yellowing of the skin and eyes. If hyperemesis is untreated, the baby may be affected by the mother's nutritional deficiencies.
Treatment
Treatment of hyperemesis symptoms involves administration of anti-nausea medications to relieve the severe nausea and vomiting. Intravenous hydration may be administered in the hospital or doctor's office to replace fluids. Replacing nutrition may be required via intravenous nutrition or tube feedings, which allow nutrition to be given through a tube connected directly to the stomach, either inserted through the nose, or surgically through the abdomen.
Misconceptions
Hyperemesis is not the same as morning sickness; it is much more extreme. Morning sickness is a condition affecting 50 percent to 90 percent of all pregnancies, notes NYU Langone Medical Center. Patients with morning sickness may have nausea and occasional vomiting. Morning sickness typically resolves after the first trimester and usually does not result in serious dehydration.
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