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More Than Morning Sickness

What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?


If you are diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum, your physician can develop a treatment and care plan to promote a healthy outcome for you and baby. Early diagnosis and intervention are important in preventing complications related to excessive vomiting, such as gastric ulcers, esophageal bleeding, malnutrition, and poor fetal development.

What treatment could I expect if I have hyperemesis gravidarum?

During her appointment, DeCole's doctor asked her a series of questions before diagnosing her with hyperemesis gravidarum. Together they worked out a treatment plan that involved medication and daily IV's.

Every woman and pregnancy is different and so is every treatment plan. The following is a general guide that many physicians follow when treating hyperemesis gravidarum patients:
  • Admission to an inpatient medical facility: Room assignments can have major effects on treatment outcome. A private room is recommended to maximize treatment by limiting noise, light, odors and stimulation from others. Fatigue worsens HG, so sleep is the most important treatment.
  • A full assessment of general metabolic and hormonal status: This requires frequent blood monitoring.
  • Ultrasounds: This can rule out gastrointestinal, gall bladder, or pancreatic disorders.
  • Close monitoring of food/liquid intake (and output)
  • Urine testing for presence of ketones
  • Careful re-hydration through IV's: Until a woman can tolerate foods by mouth (with little or no urine ketones), she can utilize a variety of IV options to receive food, fluids, and vitamins.
  • Antiemetic prescriptions: These medicines are prescribed to prevent nausea and vomiting.
  • A multidisciplinary approach: Other professionals such as physical therapists, registered dietitians and other medical specialties such as gastroenterologists are typically included in the care of a woman being treated for HG.
  • A woman who receives aggressive treatment at the onset of severe symptoms can prevent life-threatening complications and have a healthy pregnancy outcome. Post-pregnancy care is also important because it helps mom return to her pre-pregnancy states of physical and psychological health, preparing her for healthy future pregnancies that may occur.
DeCole worried about her baby's health as a result of her condition. "Would she be okay, is she getting the nutrients that babies need? Was I harming her in anyway? I was assured the baby was getting nutrients and that she was perfectly healthy." At about week 25 DeCole started eating more and gaining weight.

How can my family and friends help?

"I was shocked at how little research had been done on hyperemesis gravidarum, said DeCole. "So many people do not understand what this is like and I got very little sympathy. It is a real disorder that they are trying to figure out why it happens."
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About The Author

Tanya Jolliffe
Tanya earned a bachelor's degree in dietetics and nutrition and has more than 15 years of nutrition counseling experience. She has worked with clients in such areas as prenatal nutrition, general family nutrition and therapeutic nutrition in end-stage organ disease.

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