Family Concerns

It is very important to distinguish between the ‘normal’ nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness to that of Hyperemesis Gravidarum. As hyperemesis can be dangerous to both mother and baby therefore early detection is essential. The expectant mother can often lose up to 10% of her body weight making dehydration a very real possibility. Her unborn baby is also at risk of nutritional deficiency. Metabolic imbalances can result from little intake, in turn this can lead to personality changes such as mood swings and depression.

Due to the profound impact that hyperemesis can have it is vital that it is detected and treated as soon as possible. Only a doctor can diagnose hyperemesis, at the bottom of this article the warning signs and symptoms that should prompt a discussion with a midwife or doctor are listed. Misdiagnosis of hyperemesis is not unusual so if symptoms persist a second opinion should be sought

Research has shown that there is a clear difference in the outcomes of mothers with mild morning sickness compared to those with severe cases. Those with mild pregnancy nausea and vomiting tend to have no side effects, whereas extreme cases lead to extreme fatigue, ketosis , gastric irritation, gastric ulcers, esophageal bleeding and malnutrition just to name a few.

Research clearly dileantes between morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum. Morning sickness tends not to have any affect on the health of either mother or baby whereas hyperemesis can cause severe dehydration, bleeding of the esophagus- due to excessive vomiting, stomach ulcers and ketosis.

Extreme morning sickness can be difficult to treat. The earlier the intervention the better the outcome, that is why it is so essential that early advice is sought if morning sickness seems severe. Treatment will normally concentrate on re hydration, reducing triggers of vomiting and providing adequate nutrition.

Below is a list of signs and symptoms indicative of hyperemesis. Consultation with a doctor is essential to confirm a diagnosis of hyperemesis and to begin early treatment. Historically hyperemesis has been under diagnosed so if symptoms persist a second opinion ought to be sought.

# Vomiting, mucus, bile or blood
# Rapid weight loss (2+ lbs/wk)**
# Sensitive gag reflex
# Excessive salivation
# Constipation (If severe**)
# Difficulty sleeping
# Fainting** or dizziness
# Ketosis** (ketones are found in your urine using a dipstick test)
# Vomiting small amounts food/drink**
# Loss of skin elasticity
# Pale, waxy, dry skin
# Body odor (from rapid fat loss & ketosis)
# Rapid heart rate**
# Headache
# Food aversions
# Increased sense of smell
# Secondary anxiety/depression
# Intolerance to motion/noise/light
# Dry, furry tongue, thirst
# Confusion**
# Extreme fatigue
# Rapid weight loss (2+ lbs/wk)**

Even if you only have a few of these symptoms - please contact your doctor