WHAT CAUSES NAUSEA AND VOMITING IN PREGNANCY?
- Vomiting in pregnancy is due to multiple causes such as hormones, physiological changes in the body that happen with pregnancy etc.
- 70-80% of women experience nausea in pregnancy.
- If this worsens to a point where the pregnant woman is unable to keep even liquids down its called hyperemesis.
- It is worse in women with twins and molar pregnancy.
- It usually lasts 12-14 weeks.
WHAT PROBLEM CAN IT CAUSE?
- Dehydration – loos of excessive water from the body.
- Electrolyte imbalance – change in the sodium and potassium content in our body.
- Liver abnormalities and renal abnormalities
MYTHS REGARDING HYPEREMESIS
- It is falsely believed that hyperemesis should not be treated
- While it is true that one should avoid unnecessary medication in pregnancy, it is important that they take treatment for hyperemesis when required and see a doctor.
- It has no association with baby ‘s hair growth or sex of the baby
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS AVAILABLE?
Ginger and acupuncture are great natural remedies for hyper emesis Pyridoxine is given in high doses and helps mild nausea and vomiting Cyclizine and stemetil are other drugs given either as a tablet or as injection depending on the severity of your condition occasionally patients are admitted for intravenous fluids in hospital Can nausea and vomiting persist after 12 weeks
Yes it can. Some women have these symptoms until delivery. They need to be closely followed up for complications in the mother and the baby
The unborn baby can be growth restricted and small for its age if the mother has hyperemesis and therefore the patient needs frequent scans.
The mother needs monitored for metabolic complications.
