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Hyperemesis Gravidarum

About 1 out of every 300 pregnant women develops a severe form of morning sickness known as hyperemesis gravidarum (Latin for "excessive vomiting in pregnancy"). This condition occurs when the body is unable to compensate for the relentless vomiting and loses valuable body salts (electrolytes) and body fluids. The disorder is thought to be linked to higher-than-usual levels of the hormones hCG and estrogen, and it is more common in first pregnancies, young women and women carrying multiples.

If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you may be developing hyperemesis gravidarum:

Excessive vomiting (you haven't been able to keep any food or drink down for 24 hours).

Reduced frequency of urination (particularly if your urine appears darker in color and consequently is becoming more concentrated).

Dryness of the mouth, eyes and skin.

Extreme fatigue, weakness or faintness.

Confusion.

If you develop hyperemesis gravidarum, you will probably be hooked up to an IV (either in a hospital or at home) and given the salts and fluids necessary to re-hydrate your body. Your doctor may also decide to prescribe an anti-nausea medication.

Provided by Ann Douglas
Author of The Unofficial Guide to Having a Baby
© Ann Douglas 2004
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bbystripes
bbystripes
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8/30/2009 - 10:56AM
Report Abuse 		I have Hyperemesis, it is tough but, here are some helpful hints to you other mom's to be- Zantac like the over the counter medicine helps me alot, of course ask you OB, but my doc gave me an IV drip of it and it was awesome I actually ate for the first time in 3 weeks. Zofran does wonders but if its not working, try taking it but stick to a eating schedule say- have breakfest at 9 o clock everyday, and lunch at 12 and dinner at 530 take your Zofran 15 min before you eat so it kicks in. If you feel sick then lay down! Close you eyes. If you are getting headaches, try eating starburst or lemon drops, because your blood sugar is probably low if you are vomiting and not eating or drinking often. These are tips my doc and nutritionist gave me along with anything with ginger in it. Good Luck
tracyanddustin
tracyanddustin
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8/26/2009 - 9:41PM
Report Abuse 		My first pregnancy was great. I had barely any morning sickness, and hardly any symptoms of pregnancy. This is my second pregnancy and the morning sickness kicked in by 5 weeks (before I even knew to take a pregnancy test). By week 8 i lost 12lbs from vomiting and began daily infusions at the hospital for hydration and Zofran. The infusions slowly tapered down to every 3 days then eventually stopped at around 15 weeks. I am now at 21 weeks and still having to take Zofran for the nausea but doing much better with keeping food down. I have finally started to gain weight back, but I am still 14 lbs below pre-pregnancy weight. But the baby is growing just fine. I can't wait to be done with the pregnancy though. Good luck to all those with the same condition. Hang in there, it will get better.
naturalmama
naturalmama
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8/25/2009 - 11:11PM
Report Abuse 		I'm in my second hyperemesis pregnancy. All I can say is thank God for Zofran. Without it I doubt I would be able to carry a pregnancy past 12-13 weeks. The important one to pay attention to is the not being able to keep down any fluid for 24 hours. I went 48 in my first pregnancy and could not even stand. Another key symptom is loss of 10% of your body weight or more. If you think you have hyperemesis tell your doctor or midwife right away. If you've been 24 hours with no fluids go directly to the ER for hydration.
MommyBeaver2009
MommyBeaver2009
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6/29/2009 - 1:26PM
Report Abuse 		Hyperemesis gravidarum is nothing to laugh about. I had it with my first Pregnancy, but looks like so far, at 8 weeks today, I am in the clear, at this time. Yes, if you just have regular nausia, over time it gets better. I am finding having some kind of mint candy or gum is working to keep the nasty taste out of my mouth, that causes me to vomit. Also, try eatting lemons with salt on them....MMMM! So Good!
blazefirstimer
blazefirstimer
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6/25/2009 - 10:22AM
Report Abuse 		i hope i dont have that but i feel weak sometimes and i vomit and spit alot !!!!!!! am ten wk and i was told i would get over it by the nrxt two wks i hope so!
MaryMoo
MaryMoo
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5/17/2009 - 9:09PM
Report Abuse 		Im only 7 weeks in, and so far ive only thrown up once but i'm nauseous ALL DAY. And if i do happen to get hungry the thought of putting something in my mouth darn near kills me, and not eating much makes the nausea worse. I hope this doesn't last too much longer.
Mearick
Mearick
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2/28/2009 - 1:04AM
Report Abuse 		Oh god, I seriously hope I don't have this. (has thrown up five times in four hours so far)
ssproudmama
ssproudmama
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2/3/2009 - 9:06PM
Report Abuse 		I had hypermesis and it was absolutly awful. iv after iv after iv. she was early and underweight and healthy for her 34 weeks but i was somewhat glad to have my body back. the cure for this was delivery in my case. meds knoocked me out for 16- 18 hours causing me to still not eat.
babysnuggles
babysnuggles
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1/28/2009 - 10:15PM
Report Abuse 		I have a few of the symtoms like dryness of the mouth and skin (my lips were swollen and pink this morning),extreme fatigue and weakness, and confusion but I thought it was all natural until I read this... What should I do. Half the time I can't drive long distances without falling asleep.
Kristen_Chambers
Kristen_Chambers
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12/16/2008 - 11:49AM
Report Abuse 		i have all thoes symptoms except its been a week since i could keep anything down. I am about to go to the hospital if it had not iced the roads last night
KARRIEP
KARRIEP
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4/4/2008 - 2:37PM
Report Abuse 		PLEASE WRITE BACK I HAVETHE SAME PROBLEMS
Erin
Erin
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2/12/2008 - 9:41PM
Report Abuse 		I had hyperemesis for both of my pregnancies for the entire time and it was awful. I had a home care nurse come to my house and change my IV every three days and I had a pump in my thigh for medication. It was awful.


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