Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy or hyperemesis gravidarum

Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy or hyperemesis gravidarum

Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy or hyperemesis gravidarum (which is the most serious form of the condition):

The information here is intended to help you understand better the options for treatment and care.

Your health care team is here to help you achieve the

Decisions that are right for you. They can help by discussing your condition with you and answering your questions.

the main points:

**Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is a common condition that settles after 20 weeks in 9 out of 10 pregnant women.

**Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of this condition and can affect up to 3 in 100 pregnant women.

**Nausea, vomiting, and hyperemesis gravidarum can affect your mood, your work, your daily life, and your social life.

**While most women can be treated at home or as outpatients in hospitals, 1 in 5 affected women may need to be hospitalized for the treatment.

**There are many different anti-sickness medications available that may help treat symptoms. While some of these medicines may not be licensed for use during pregnancy, they are considered safe for you and your baby.

**What is nausea and vomiting during pregnancy?

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of pregnancy. It begins early in pregnancy, usually between the fourth and seventh weeks. It settles after 20 weeks in 9 out of 10 women, although it may last longer in some women. It's often called "morning sickness" but it can occur at any time of the day or night.

It is believed that the cause are the hormones that are produced during pregnancy in all women. Research suggests that some women experience pregnancy nausea worse than others due to genetic differences, which leads to higher levels of a hormone called GDF-15. 

GDF-15 is a hormone produced by the placenta that causes loss of appetite and nausea.

You are more likely to experience pregnancy nausea if:

•You have ever had pregnancy nausea

•Pregnant with more than one fetus (twins or triplets)

It is important that other causes of vomiting are considered and considered, especially if:

•You have pain in your stomach

•You have other symptoms such as pain during urination

•You suffer from other medical conditions, such as stomach ulcers, gallstones, or

•Vomiting begins only after 16 weeks of pregnancy.

What is hyperemesis gravidarum?

If nausea and vomiting become so severe that it prevents you from doing your daily activities and you are unable to eat and drink normally, this condition is known as hyperemesis gravidarum. This may affect up to 3 in 100 pregnant women.

It can cause you to become dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include feeling “dehydrated” or very thirsty, feeling sleepy or sick, or urine changing color from light yellow to dark yellow or brown. Women with this condition may need to be hospitalized.

How would that make me feel emotionally?

Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy can be a difficult problem to deal with. This can affect your mood, your work, your home situation, and your social life. Support from family and friends can help. In some women, symptoms can be so severe that they become depressed and need additional support such as counselling. If you find that you are feeling down, you should talk to your healthcare professional.

Will it hurt my baby?

There is no evidence that mild or moderate nausea and vomiting have a harmful effect on your child.

Women with severe nausea and vomiting or with hyperemesis gravidarum may give birth to a baby who weighs less than expected. You may be offered scans to monitor your child's growth.

If managed properly and in a timely manner it wouldn’t affect fetal growth or increase risk of miscarriage.

How can I manage my symptoms?

Most women with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy will be able to control their symptoms on their own. You could:

Eat small amounts of foods that are high in carbohydrates and low in fat, such as potatoes, rice, and pasta, or foods that are easy to tolerate, such as plain crackers or pretzels.

•Avoid any foods or smells that trigger symptoms.

​**drinking ginger or eating ginger candy can be helpful.

If your symptoms do not settle or it affects your daily activities, see your GP urgently. They can prescribe anti-sickness medications that are safe during pregnancy.

Dr Najeeb Layyous  F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist