Hyperemesis Gravidarum Treatment

What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

This is a serious, but not common, condition where a woman at any stage in her pregnancy vomits excessively.

It is due to the pregnancy but, in rare cases, another cause (e.g. food poisoning) can bring it on.

Excessive vomiting is usually indicated by:

• Being sick more than 4 times a day
• Being sick without having eaten/drunk anything
• Vomiting bile-tasting fluid

Hyperemesis Gravidarum can lead to a rapid deterioration in the well-being of a woman and dehydration is a major risk.

Signs and Symptoms of Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Signs to look out for are:

• Feeling too weak to go about normal daily activities
• Not feeling better with rest
• Dry skin that ‘puckers’ when pinched and has no elasticity
• Dry mouth/cracked lips/swollen tongue
• Sunken, hollow eyes
• Rapid pulse/palpitations
• Not passing usual amounts of urine/passing very dark, strong urine
• Obvious rapid weight loss

What is the Treatment for Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

Most women with Hyperemesis Gravidarum do not miss the signs and symptoms of dehydration because they feel so ill. If in doubt, get urgent medical advice.

In some cases the only treatment is admission to hospital for intravenous rehydration.

In other cases it may be possible to treat at home, under supervision.

Acupuncture is a useful addition to medical treatment, especially once dehydration has been corrected and blood sugar stabilised.