Understanding Hyperemesis Gravidarum (extreme morning sickness)
Understanding Hyperemesis Gravidarum (extreme morning sickness)
For most women, morning sickness is just another of those unpleasant side effects associated with pregnancy. Whilst some may suffer only a few short months and employ the services of many tried-and-tested remedies to keep symptoms at bay, there are still those unfortunate enough to suffer all the way through their pregnancy, with no respite.
In extreme cases of pregnancy-related sickness, such as that suffered by Cheryl Harrison, there can be so much more to it than having to sip countless cups of ginger tea. Cheryl, 34, told the national press in July 2010 how she reluctantly aborted her baby at nine weeks to put a stop to the debilitating sickness that occurred throughout the pregnancy, not to mention her first pregnancy. A doctor eventually diagnosed hyperemesis gravidarum - the most severe form of morning sickness, of which many women are likely to have never heard.
Chances are there are many women out there, like Cheryl, who are suffering or have suffered yet have failed to get the proper diagnosis. It is unfortunate that the symptoms that present themselves are similar to those of standard morning sickness, albeit it more extreme, and this can lead medical professionals to unwittingly undertreat those afflicted. There once existed an historical belief that the condition was a result of psychological factors brought on by an unwanted pregnancy; although women normally exhibit some signs of depression or anxiety due to the illness, treatment from a physiological point of view is essential in avoiding any further suffering.
So just what is hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), and why does is cause around 2% of pregnant women so much misery? Those who have been through it will no doubt be quick to inform you it is in a different league to normal morning sickness; HG is an extremely serious condition that can harm the mother and possibly even the unborn baby if left untreated, and it is characterised by an unrelenting cycle of nausea and vomiting. Although there are theories on why HG occurs, such as the speculation that it is an adverse reaction to pregnancy hormones, the actual cause is still unknown. In most cases, the related symptoms can be so intense and violent that they can lead to all manner of complications.
Mallory-Weiss syndrome, or gastro-oesophageal laceration syndrome, can be brought on by severe retching and vomiting; tears in the mucous membrane near where the oesophagus and stomach meet start to bleed. Rhabdomyolysis is the rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle, in this case caused by significant weight loss, that can lead to acute kidney problems. Renal, or kidney, failure sees the kidneys failing to function adequately, which can be due to the damaged muscle cells releasing harmful proteins, like myoglobin, into the bloodstream. These are just a few of the serious complications that can occur with prolonged illness, with the more common symptoms being extreme tiredness and lethargy, an inability to keep food or fluids down, and rapid weight loss, usually around 2 pounds or more a week.
Due to the numerous unpleasant side-effects brought on by HG, treatment is often considered a medical emergency; many sufferers lack adequate nutrition and are extremely dehydrated due to constant vomiting, therefore an IV (intravenous) drip is used to replenish lost fluids and nutrients. There are of course coping strategies, such as eating a bland diet to avoid sickness, however this approach alone is unlikely to put an end to the suffering. Taking medication whilst pregnant is never without some degree of risk, but these risks are generally balanced against the potential suffering of the mother, and standard treatments are a combination of doxylamine succinate (a sedating antihistamine) and vitamin B6; B vitamins can be depleted within 2 weeks of falling ill. According to the HER (Hyperemesis Education Research) Foundation, use of an IV drip, together with bed rest, is the most effective treatment for HG.
It is a sad fact that many women feel unsupported during these hard times, with some unable to care for their other children or even to hold down a job they love. Those, like Cheryl Harrison, who have chosen abortion to end the misery, are left plagued with guilt and wishing they had received the right advice and counselling to avoid such a heart-breaking decision. The HER Foundation is an international online support platform for women afflicted with HG, as well as a source of help for friends and families. Sufferers can contact others around the globe, share stories, advice and tips and get up-to-date information on the condition.
If you think you may be suffering from HG and are worried about any symptoms you have, contact your GP immediatately. Specific symptoms to be aware of are:
Extreme fatigue and lack of energy
Severe headaches and/or fever
Inability to keep food of fluids down for over 24 hours
Muscular weakness and cramping
Dizziness and shortness of breath
Constant vomiting and retching
Fainting or visual disturbances
2 pounds or more weight loss in a week
Vomit that contains blood or yellow bile
Severe nausea that prevents you from eating or drinking
For further information, visit the HER Foundation at www.hyperemesis.org
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