Hyperemesis Gravidarum Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Hyperemesis gravidarum is excessive nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, beyond morning sickness. This condition can cause dehydration, weight loss, fluid disturbances in the body, difficulties in carrying out daily activities, and endanger the condition of the fetus in the womb.
Generally, hyperemesis gravidarum occurs in the 6th to 12th week of pregnancy and can continue until the 16th to 20th week of pregnancy. However, there are a small number of women who experience this condition until the second and third trimesters. In fact, there are also pregnant women who experience it until delivery.
Reason
The cause of the appearance of hyperemesis gravidarum is not known with certainty. However, there are several risk factors that can trigger this condition, namely:
- Pregnancy for the first time usually occurs in pregnant women under the age of 24 years.
- There is an increase in the hormone beta hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is indeed produced by the ovaries in early pregnancy and by the placenta during subsequent pregnancies.
- There is an increase in the hormone estrogen.
- Twin and molar pregnancies (molar pregnancies).
- The influence of psychological factors, such as stress and anxiety.
- Have a history of nausea and vomiting in previous pregnancies.
- The condition of the stomach which is pushed by the enlarged uterus.
- Slow gastric emptying due to the influence of the hormone progesterone.
- High-fat diet.
- Having thyroid or liver disease during pregnancy.
Symptoms
There are three degrees of severity in the condition of hyperemesis gravidarum, such as:
Level 1:
Constant vomiting up to 3-4 times a day, and unable to eat or drink for 24 hours. This causes the condition of the body to become weak. Then the appetite is lost, so that the weight can drop about 2-3 kg in 1-2 weeks. In the solar plexus, there is pain and the pulse increases up to 100 beats per minute. Finally, at this stage the blood pressure drops and the eyeball becomes sunken.
Level 2:
The condition of pregnant women looks weaker. Shown by a weak pulse until there is a fever and yellow eyeballs. In addition, the pregnant woman’s weight will decrease and her eyes will begin to look sunken, followed by a decrease in blood pressure, blood thickening, decreased urine, and difficulty defecating. When you breathe in, it will usually start to smell like acetone
Level 3:
At this last stage, the general condition of pregnant women is severe. Consciousness can decrease to coma, pulse weakens, fever and blood pressure decrease. In the fetus can also begin to occur brain abnormalities and liver disorders.
Diagnosis
This condition can be traced through the signs found during an interview at a doctor’s examination. In addition, a pregnant woman can be proven to have hyperemesis gravidarum when she has done blood and urine tests. Ultrasound (USG) should also be done to check the condition of the fetus, whether there are problems or not.
Treatment
The healing technique given to the patient depends on how severe the symptoms are. However, early treatment can reduce the chance of something bad happening. Preventing and restoring nutritional deficiencies in the body is a top priority so that the mother and fetus remain in good health.
The type of food can be given in stages, starting from liquid food, filtered porridge, steamed rice, to solid food as usual. Infusion therapy can also be given when the patient’s body condition has difficulty accepting food in solid form. This is to replace lost body fluids.
When undergoing infusion therapy and injecting drugs, patients are advised to undergo hospitalization. Drugs given for conditions like this are anti-emetic drugs and drugs to reduce stomach acid. If the nausea and vomiting are getting worse, consult a doctor immediately.
During the period of treatment, pregnant women should maintain food intake in this way:
- Eat foods high in carbohydrates and protein, but low in fat. This type of food will be easier to digest. Eating ginger can also help.
- Avoid greasy, spicy, and heavily seasoned foods.
- Eat small portions but often.
- Drink lots of mineral water. Ginger tea can also be drunk for variety.
- Avoid smells, foods, or situations that can cause nausea and vomiting.
- Always take multivitamins, especially vitamin B6 which can reduce nausea.
Complications
Too frequent nausea and vomiting will cause dehydration, malnutrition for the mother and fetus, and low baby weight. Excessive fluid loss and not getting immediate help can result in severe dehydration, shock, and death for the mother and fetus.
Prevention
Until now, there is no really effective way to prevent hyperemesis gravidarum. Several studies suggest that pregnant women start taking multivitamins from the time they are planning a pregnancy until they are pregnant in the first trimester. This is believed to reduce the likelihood of this condition occurring.