Understanding Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Candace Seymour

Professor Ryan

English 101

29 April 2018

Understanding Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Morning Sickness (nausea and vomiting) is a condition related to pregnancy that is widely recognized. There is, however, a pregnancy-related illness that is lesser known called: Hyperemesis Gravidarum (H.G.). To explain, H.G. is a severe and possibly life-threatening complication of pregnancy that causes extreme and continuous nausea and vomiting that could result in dehydration and malnutrition (Dean 847). These symptoms, in turn, could affect the unborn child as well. To gain a better understanding of H.G., one should explore the family history and other possible contributing factors of the person afflicted, discuss various healthcare treatment options, and lastly, learn if there could be any long-term residual effects of this illness.  

There has not been one specific cause or explanation for one developing H.G. during pregnancy. Nonetheless, some studies and articles offer insight into the commonalities shared by those who have experienced this condition (H.G.). Nurse Practitioner Anthony Summers explains that a rise in thyroid hormone as well as estrogen (female fetus), genetic factors (patient has or had a mother affected with the same illness), and previous bacterial infections of the stomach experienced by the patient are all factors that could cause this condition (25). It is important to note, not all sufferers of H.G. share one or more of these contributing factor(s). Familial history of the patient as well as documented symptoms help the doctors and nurses distinguish H.G. from morning sickness and thus can begin the proper medical treatment.  

Following a diagnosis of H.G., the patient must begin a medical treatment plan with their healthcare professionals. For example; dietary changes, medicine(s), and at home care. Smaller, more frequent meals, as well as antiemetics, vitamin B6, and intravenous fluid combined with electrolyte replacement are typically suggested (Summers 26-27).  However, each patient's care will not be the same, depending on the severity of their condition. Severe cases will require hospitalization, where the patient can receive all medications and vitamins intravenously. Therefore, it is necessary to obtain the H.G. diagnosis (which is obtained by the patient's account of the severity of symptoms and quality of life) as soon as it presents so that the patient can receive the proper treatment quickly (Dean 847). Furthermore, this explains the importance of why healthcare professionals need to be able to differentiate H.G. from typical morning sickness.  

Lastly, after learning the potential causes and medical treatment available for H.G., one would ask, are there any long-term effects of this illness on mother and baby after childbirth? According to, Obstetrician Marlena S. Fejzo et al., a study taken by women who had been affected by H.G. during pregnancy showed that some experienced a slower recovery time post-partum, issues concerning the gallbladder, as well as symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (1985). Regarding the fetal outcome, reports have shown that mothers who experienced severe weight loss during their pregnancy have an increased risk of miscarriage and to give birth prematurely, which can result in a less than average birth weight for the infant (Fejzo et al. 1985). Again, early intervention could lessen the chance of a patient experiencing these post-partum conditions in addition to increasing the odds of the infant being born within a normal weight-range.