Hyperemesis

What is "hyperemesis"?

Hyperemensis is a condition in pregnancy usually confined to the first trimester or the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, where you have excessive nausea and vomitting. Its most likely result of hormones levels in the body, as a result of the growing and developing prenancy, that cause significant amounts of nausea and vomitting. So much so, sometimes, that weight loss can occur, as some women have difficulty retaining even water. Sometimes hyperemensis requires futher evaluation by your doctor, and possibly an admission to the hospital for IV hydration and fluids for 24 to 48 hour period of time.

What are the risks of hyperemesis?

A hyperemesis risk is usually dehydration - A significant amount of dehydration that will result in fainting episodes, extreme fatigue, and then of course in the worse case scenario if you were unable to digest any foods and don't have any food intake, then it's malnutrition to the baby as well. That could result in poor development of the child. Hyperemesis is usually confined to the first trimestor, but it can extend beyond the first trimestor. If you have somebody who's losing a lot of weight, due to hyperemesis and malnourishing their child into the second and even third trimestor, it can result in preterm labor, intrauterine growth restriction, and various other complications.

How is hyperemesis treated?

If the hyperemesis is extreme, where you are not able to lift your head off the pillow, you can't even drink a sip of water without being extremely nauseated, then contact your physician, because it may require a blood test or two to evaluate whether or not you are affected in your blood chemistry by this hyperemesis, or this nausea and vomiting. And this degree of hyperemesis may require a hospital admission, to supplement vitamins and nutrients.