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Hyperemesis Gravidarum
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
When nausea and vomiting in pregnancy become really
severe, the condition is called hyperemesis (hi-per-EM-uh-sis)
gravidarum (grav-uh-DARE-um). It is more serious than morning
sickness, and can be unsafe for both you and your baby. Without
food the baby cannot grow, and your own health can get worse if
the condition is not treated.
Causes
The cause of this problem is
unknown. Emotional changes may be a factor. A multiple
pregnancy can encourage it. Changes in your hormones may have a
role.
Signs/Symptoms
Typical signs of this condition
include vomiting more than 3 or 4 times a day, not keeping any
food down, losing weight, feeling tired and dizzy, and
urinating less than usual. Your heart may seem to race;
you may suffer headaches and confusion; and your skin may
become pale-looking and dry. These are signs of dehydration
that can harm both you and your baby.
Care
Your doctor will weigh you, talk to you, and examine you.
Your blood will be tested for certain chemicals called
electrolytes (ee-LECK-trow-lights). Too much vomiting can cause
the balance of these chemicals to change in your blood. Your
urine also will be tested for signs that the vomiting is too
severe. If your condition is serious, you may need to go
into the hospital for treatment.
Risks
You can die from serious untreated hyperemesis
gravidarum. But the risks of serious illness are very small if
you follow your doctor's suggestions.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Take your medicine as directed. Call the doctor if
you feel it is not helping. Do not quit taking it on your
own.
-
Do not take over-the-counter medicine without talking
to your doctor. Rest often. Exercise and work without
getting too tired. Your body will tell you when to
rest.
-
If your stomach is upset in the morning, eat dry
toast or saltine crackers before getting out of
bed.
-
Eat small, frequent meals. Avoid fried or spicy foods
that can upset your stomach. After eating, sit up for 45
minutes.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
Your nausea and vomiting get
worse.
-
You are losing weight.
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
What to Expect While You're
There
You may encounter the following
procedures and equipment during your stay.
-
Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature,
blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and
respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used
to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is
taken by wrapping a cuff around your
arm.
-
IV: A tube placed in your vein for giving medicine
or liquids. It will be capped or have tubing connected to
it.
-
ECG: Also called a heart monitor, an
electrocardiograph (e-lec-tro-CAR-dee-o-graf), or EKG. The
patches on your chest are hooked up to a TV-type screen or
a small portable box (telemetry unit). This screen shows a
tracing of each heartbeat. Your heart will be watched for
signs of injury or damage resulting from your
illness.
-
Blood: Usually taken from a vein in your hand or
from the bend in your elbow. Tests will be done on your
blood.
-
Medicines: You may get medicines by shot, in your
IV, or in your rectum as a
suppository.
-
Monitoring the Baby's Heartbeat:
-
If it is late in your pregnancy, you will have a
loose-fitting belt strapped around your abdomen. The belt
secures a patch which is attached to a machine with a
TV-type screen. This screen shows a tracing of your
baby's heartbeat.
-
Your baby's heartbeat may be monitored all the time
during the early part of your hospital stay. As you
improve, a tracing may be taken several times a
day.
-
Urine Tests: You will be asked to urinate in a
container. Hospital personnel will measure and test your
urine to make sure you are getting enough liquids. Do not
throw away your urine unless your nurses have given the
okay.
-
Other Tests: You may have tests of your liver,
kidney, pancreas, and bowels to find reasons for the
vomiting.
-
Weight: You will be weighed daily to see if there
have been any changes.
-
Food: Until your vomiting stops, you will not be
given any meals. Instead, you will receive food and
vitamins through your IV. You can slowly begin to drink and
eat small amounts of food when your vomiting has
stopped.
-
Emotions: Try to relax and avoid stress. Talking to
your doctor or someone close to you may be
helpful.
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