Is it normal to have excessive nausea and vomiting during pregnancy?

The long-awaited blue line has finally appeared. Happiness is certainly felt by prospective parents. Being able to undergo a healthy pregnancy must be the hope of prospective mothers. However, it is not uncommon for various pregnancy challenges to arise. One of them is the condition of nausea and vomiting.

Nausea and vomiting are actually common conditions in the first trimester of pregnancy. However, if it occurs continuously and interferes with daily activities, you should start to be vigilant because it could be a sign of hyperemesis gravidarum. What is it?

Definition

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HEG) is a condition where the patient has excessive nausea and vomiting, more than 10 times in 24 hours or at any time, which interferes with health and daily work.

Symptoms

Symptoms begin early in pregnancy, before 16 weeks of gestation. Some symptoms that may occur include:

Nausea and vomiting, at least one of which is severe 

Inability to eat or drink normally 

Body weakness and more limited daily activity

Having less or cloudy urine

Eyes may look more yellow and sunken

Breath or urine smells of acetone

Weight loss

Constipation

Impaired consciousness

Prevention

Modify your diet by eating smaller amounts of food more frequently. Avoid spicy and fatty foods, as well as foods that have strong odors and may stimulate nausea. Consumption of foods or drinks containing ginger may be beneficial

Avoid triggers for nausea and vomiting, such as strong smells, stuffy rooms, noise, and glare. In addition, good stamina should also be maintained with adequate rest.

Management

Initial therapy for HEG may include replacing the prenatal multivitamin with a single folic acid supplement. In addition, consumption of 250 mg of ginger 4x a day can reduce symptoms. Administration of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) or doxylamine is effective in cases of HEG without dehydration. However, if symptoms worsen, patients can be given antihistamines (such as dimenhydrinate or diphenhydramine) or dopamine antagonists (such as ondansetron or metochlorpramide). Dehydration that occurs in HEG needs appropriate fluid replacement correction.

Risks and Complications

The incidence of long-term side effects and fetal side effects due to HEG is rare. HEG is a common complaint during pregnancy and may resolve itself as the pregnancy progresses. However, be aware of aggravated HEG symptoms as they can lead to dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, malnutrition, and Wernicke's encephalopathy.