Hyperemesis Gravidarum simply means ‘excessive nausea and vomiting’, and is not to be confused with the more common ‘morning sickness’ associated with pregnancy.

Typically, this condition begins to affect women between the fourth and tenth weeks of their pregnancy and usually ends by the twentieth week, though for some unfortunate women, the condition has been known to last the entire pregnancy.

Hyperemesis DEMANDS medical attention. It will not go away on its own.

Affecting between 0.3-3% of pregnant women, it can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and a loss of pre-pregnancy weight of up to 10%.

Its cause is uncertain, though there was one recent study that claimed a woman who had a diet high in fatty foods prior to conception seemed more prone. Other possible factors could be gastrointestinal, psychological and endocrine. The raised levels of HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) and oestrogen also seem to have a playing part.

It also seems to occur in women who have a multiple pregnancy, or those that have suffered with a hydatidiform mole, both conditions that raise these hormone levels. (A hydatidiform mole is a large malformation within the uterus, causing pregnancy symptoms, yet the embryo has died or is no longer present.) Of course, women that have had hyperemesis once are also more at risk of suffering with it once again.

The impact of this condition should never be trivialised. Just imagine how you might feel being constantly sick, constantly vomiting even simple things like water. This condition can make the mother lose weight and even sometimes cause depression along with feelings of lifelessness and distress.

But what will happen with admission to hospital?

A history of the vomiting will be noted. When it started, how often, etc. The mother’s general health will be assessed, including a check of her skin for inelasticity or dryness (symptoms of dehydration). In some cases, there may even be signs of jaundice. Other signs of dehydration may be low blood pressure, a dry, furry tongue, a rapid, accelerated pulse and there may even be signs of ketosis (a particular acetone based smell to the breath).

The electrolyte imbalance can be easily corrected with the aid of an intravenous drip. Vitamins may also be given in this manner, as the patient will very often be (at least to start) nil by mouth. The medical team will want to let the woman’s stomach rest and get her vomiting under control, until signs of improvement are noted. Then, gradual amounts of fluid will be introduced, before the slow introduction of small, easily digestible meals.

For the mother, she should take this time in hospital for getting the ultimate rest to aid her recovery and hopefully, with the medical teams support, this horrible condition will be brought under control and the rest of her pregnancy can be enjoyed.