Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of nausea and vomiting that happens during pregnancy. Hyperemesis is worse than morning sickness. It may cause you to have nausea or vomiting all day for many days. It may keep you from eating and drinking enough food and liquids. Hyperemesis usually occurs during the first half (the first 20 weeks) of pregnancy. It often goes away once a woman is in her second half of pregnancy. However, sometimes hyperemesis continues through an entire pregnancy.
What are the causes?
The cause of this condition is not known. It may be related to changes in chemicals (hormones) in the body during pregnancy, such as the high level of pregnancy hormone (human chorionic gonadotropin) or the increase in the …show more content…
Your medical history.
Your symptoms.
Blood tests.
Urine tests.
How is this treated?
This condition may be managed with medicine. If medicines to do not help relieve nausea and vomiting, you may need to receive IV fluids at the hospital.
Follow these instructions at home:
Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
Avoid iron pills and multivitamins that contain iron for the first 3–4 months of pregnancy. If you take prescription iron pills, do not stop taking them unless your health care provider approves.
Take the following actions to help prevent nausea and vomiting:
In the morning, before getting out of bed, try eating a couple of dry crackers or a piece of toast.
Avoid foods and smells that upset your stomach. Fatty and spicy foods may make nausea worse.
Eat 5–6 small meals a day.
Do not drink while eating meals. Drink between meals.
Eat or suck on things that have ginger in them. Ginger can help relieve nausea.
Avoid food preparation. The smell of food can spoil your appetite or trigger nausea.
Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
For snacks, eat high-protein foods, such as