The Duke and
Duchess of Cambridge were forced to make the early announcement about Catherine’s
pregnancy due to her hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) that landed her in the
hospital. While the world was thrilled for their news, many had never heard of
HG and those women who experienced it personally offered their knowing
support. The word ‘hyperemesis’ basically
means vomiting excessively while gravidarum refers to a pregnant woman. As many women report vomiting in the early
weeks of their pregnancies, HG is a much more severe form that requires serious
attention.
It is estimated
that HG occurs in 0.3 – 1% of pregnant women, which is a relatively small subset
considering about 50-80% of women experience ‘normal’ nausea and vomiting. The condition is so severe that women can
lose significant body weight due to malnourishment as they are not able to eat
or drink because of the nausea and then they have excessive vomiting. Women with HG often require medical treatment
(as is the case with the Duchess of Cambridge) as IV fluids are needed to
prevent dehydration and medications for nausea may be necessary.
HG can affect
a pregnant woman’s electrolyte balance, her kidney function, create problems
with the stomach and esophagus and affect the growing fetus. Unfortunately, those who experience HG with
their first pregnancy will often go on to have it with subsequent pregnancies.
The exact cause of HG is unknown with many speculating genetics, hormones, and
over-sensitivity to HCG in the body, plus other more significant conditions in
the body such as gastrointestinal or liver problems. Some believe that carrying twins increases
the risk for HG due to the increased hormone and HCG level in the body. The concern for the baby is that they have a
higher risk for being born early, born underweight and born small for their
age.
Like non-HG
women with nausea and vomiting, hydration and nourishment is very important. The medical community often uses B-vitamins in
IV or injection to help such as B1, B6 and B12.
The herb ginger, especially when used in the form of a candy to suck on
or tea has anti-nausea effects. Acupuncture
has also been shown to be helpful for both nausea and vomiting.
Hyperemesis
Gravidarum should not be taken lightly and a pregnant woman experiencing
excessive nausea and vomiting causing weight loss should immediately consult
with their medical provider or proceed to the nearest hospital for full
evaluation. Thankfully the Duchess did
just that and will hopefully have a wonderful pregnancy.
To read more at the women's health website, Empowher, click HERE!
Reference:
1.
ACOG Guidelines for Treating Nausea and Vomiting
in Pregnant Women Reviewed. Web. 9 December, 2012.
2.
Nausea
and vomiting in pregnancy: Blooming or bloomin’ awful? A review of the
literature. Web. 9 December, 2012.
3.
Treatment
of Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Web. 9 December, 2012.
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