Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of nausea and vomiting that happens during pregnancy. Hyperemesis is more severe than morning sickness. It may cause you to have nausea or vomiting all day for many days. It may also keep you from getting enough food and liquid.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Informed consent
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
An IV
is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids. You may be given extra liquids to help keep you hydrated. You may also be given nutrition through your IV.
Enteral tube feeding
may be needed to give you nutrition. Enteral tube feeding may be given through a tube placed in your nose and down into your stomach.
Medicines:
- Antihistamines help decrease nausea and vomiting.
- Antiemetic medicine calms your stomach and helps control vomiting.
- Vitamin B6 helps decrease nausea and vomiting.
- Vitamin and mineral supplements increase the level of vitamins and minerals in your body. Vitamins and minerals may be given in your IV, as a shot, or by mouth.
Tests:
- Blood and urine tests may show the progress of your dehydration and information about your overall health.
- An ultrasound may be needed if you have not had one. An ultrasound will show if you are having more than one baby. It will also show if your baby is okay.
- External fetal heart monitoring is used to monitor your baby's heartbeat, and the contractions of your uterus. A small metal disc (monitor) with gel on it is placed on your abdomen. A belt will be fastened around your waist to hold the monitor in place. The monitor may need to be moved as your baby moves inside you. It may also be put on and taken off, or left in place.
- Intake and output tracking is done to check the amount of liquid you are getting and the amount you are urinating.
RISKS:
Hyperemesis may cause you to lose too much weight. Vomiting caused by hyperemesis may damage or tear the tissue in your esophagus. It may also cause you to become dehydrated. If this happens, you may need to go to the hospital to get fluids through an IV. Severe hyperemesis may cause you to have a baby with a low birth weight. Without treatment, hyperemesis can lead to malnutrition and damage to organs such as your kidneys and liver. Rarely, hyperemesis can be life-threatening.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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