Pregnancy is usually considered a beautiful experience, but for some women, it can become a nightmare. One such condition is severe morning sickness, also known as hyperemesis gravidarum.

This condition has gained significant media attention in recent years after the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, suffered from it during her pregnancies. In this article, we will discuss severe morning sickness in detail, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

What is severe morning sickness?

Severe morning sickness is a condition that affects pregnant women, making them feel extremely nauseous and vomit excessively.

In contrast to regular morning sickness, which is common in pregnancy’s early stages, this condition lasts longer and is more severe. It can begin as early as the fourth week of pregnancy and last throughout the entire pregnancy duration.

The symptoms of severe morning sickness

The signs and symptoms of severe morning sickness may vary from person to person. However, the most common symptoms include:.

Excessive vomiting several times a day
Unrelenting nausea that does not go away, even after eating or drinking anything
Dehydration and weight loss
Low blood pressure leading to dizziness and a feeling of fainting
Fatigue and weakness as the body is unable to retain any nutrients
Headaches and confusion
Increased heart rate and palpitations

What causes severe morning sickness?

The exact cause of severe morning sickness is unknown, but it is speculated that it might be due to hormonal changes occurring in the body during pregnancy.

The hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) plays a vital role in pregnancy, and its levels increase dramatically during the first trimester, leading to morning sickness. However, some women have high levels of hCG during their pregnancy, leading to severe morning sickness.

Additionally, some studies suggest that the condition may be due to genetic factors as individuals with a family history of severe morning sickness are more likely to get it.

Who is at risk of getting severe morning sickness?

While any pregnant woman can develop severe morning sickness, some factors increase the likelihood of getting the condition. These factors include:.

A family history of severe morning sickness
Multiple pregnancies
A history of motion sickness or migraines
Being pregnant with a female fetus
Having a body mass index (BMI) below normal

The impact of severe morning sickness on pregnant women

Severe morning sickness can significantly affect pregnant women’s daily lives as they are unable to perform routine tasks due to nausea, vomiting, and weakness.

The condition can also lead to dehydration and nutrient deficiencies, leading to complications such as low birth weight, premature delivery, and developmental delays in the fetus. Additionally, women with severe morning sickness may become depressed, anxious, or isolated, leading to mental health issues.

How is severe morning sickness diagnosed?

If you are experiencing severe morning sickness symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately. The doctor will examine you and conduct several tests such as blood and urine tests to rule out other health conditions.

Additionally, they may conduct a physical exam and use ultrasound to monitor the baby’s growth and development.

Treatment options for severe morning sickness

While there is no specific cure for severe morning sickness, various treatment options can provide relief from the symptoms. These treatments include:.

Lifestyle modifications such as eating small, frequent meals, avoiding foods that trigger nausea, and drinking plenty of fluids.
Medications such as anti-nausea drugs, vitamin B6 supplements, and antacids.
Acupuncture and acupressure therapies that stimulate pressure points to provide relief from nausea and vomiting.
Hospitalization for intravenous fluids and electrolytes if the patient is severely dehydrated.

The bottom line

Severe morning sickness, while a challenging condition to face, can be managed with proper medical advice and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve the overall quality of life during pregnancy.

So, if you are experiencing any symptoms of severe morning sickness, don’t hesitate to seek medical help.