Possible Complications
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) usually resolves by mid-pregnancy,
allowing you to recover and gain sufficient weight to adequately
nourish your body and your baby during the rapid growth period
of later pregnancy. You might experience other problems such
as muscle atrophy, fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression,
anxiety, constipation, and throat or stomach irritation.
Most of these are treated safely during pregnancy and are
not reasons for concern, but they may cause you significant
distress or discomfort.
Do the best you can to eat as healthy
as you can, and don't feel guilty if you lose weight or have
trouble eating lots of vegetables and other nutritious foods.
See our Nutritional Strategies page
for ideas on how to choose the best foods for your cravings
and aversions.
Severe
HG
The number of women with more severe HG is relatively small
and estimated to be about 10% of all women with HG. If you
have severe or prolonged HG, and medical care is not sufficient
or is delayed, you are at risk for more serious complications.
Symptoms peak between 8 and 12 weeks and you may feel somewhat
more miserable during this time, despite medication. However,
severe HG is usually characterized by more extreme symptoms
that may continue into the 2nd or even 3rd trimester. Rapid
weight loss and chronic dehydration are classic signs.
These women usually have several of the following signs.
Signs of
Severe HG
- Debilitating, chronic nausea
- Frequent vomiting of bile or blood
- Chronic ketosis and dehydration
- Muscle weakness and extreme fatigue
- Medication does not stop vomiting/nausea
- Inability to care for self (shower, prepare food)
- Loss of over 5-10% of your pre-pregnancy weight
- Weight loss (or little gain) after the first trimester
- Inability
to eat/drink sufficiently by about 14 weeks
If you feel you have severe HG and are not receiving adequate care,
you may need a second opinion. Seek the help of a friend, family member,
or spouse to help you in this process. It's very difficult to think clearly
and advocate for yourself when you are ill.
Also see our Referral
Network page
for tips on finding a doctor. Early intervention can minimize
your suffering and complications.
| Constipation |
Cramps, infrequent or hard stools, or difficulty passing
stools |
MEDLINEplus
Medical Encyclopedia: Constipation |
| Fatigue |
Inability to work or perform usual activities |
|
| Atrophy - wasting or loss of muscle tissue resulting
from disease or lack of use |
Weakness, fatigue, pain |
Pregnancy
Bed Rest Information |
| Stomach ulcers or irritation |
Pain, nausea, food aversions |
NIDDK:
Stomach and Duodenal Ulcers |
| Psychosocial Stress |
Depression, anxiety |
www.dartmouth.edu:
Depression In Pregnancy
PubMed:
Obstetrical complications and the development of postpartum depressive
symptoms: a prospective survey of the MATQUID cohort.
PubMed:
Obstetric, somatic, and demographic risk factors for postpartum depressive
symptoms. |
| Sleep Disturbance or Insomnia |
Difficulty sleeping |
MEDLINEplus
Medical Encyclopedia: Sleeping difficulty |
| Acid Reflux & Heartburn |
Throat pain, indigestion, nausea |
MEDLINEplus
Medical Encyclopedia: Gastroesophageal reflux disease |
| Kidney Failure - loss of the
kidneys' ability to excrete wastes, concentrate urine,
and conserve electrolytes |
Decreased urine output, fluid retention,
changes in mental status or mood, increased blood pressure,
ear noise/buzzing, breath odor, fatigue, nausea, vomiting |
PubMed:
Acute renal failure in association with severe hyperemesis
gravidarum.
MEDLINEplus
Medical Encyclopedia: Acute renal failure |
| Deconditioning - a decrease in
the responsiveness of heart muscle |
Fatigue, weakness, breathlessness, pain |
PubMed:
An overview of the issues: physiological effects of
bed rest and restricted physical activity. |
| Esophageal bleeding – Bleeding
in the throat |
Blood in vomit and/or stool, throat
pain, light-headedness |
NIDDK:
Bleeding in the Digestive Tract |
| TMJ Trauma - pain or injury to
the jaw joint (TMJ or TMD) |
Pain or stiffness when opening mouth,
headaches, vision changes, clicking noises from jaw |
|
| Hemorrhagic Retinitis - bleeding
into the retina of the eye |
|
|
| Jaundice - Discoloring of the
skin, mucous membranes, and eyes, caused by too much
bilirubin in the blood |
Yellow skin, mucous membranes, and eyes;
itching |
|
| Posttraumatic Stress Disorder |
Flashback episodes, memories, nightmares,
or frightening thoughts, when they are exposed to events
or objects reminiscent of the trauma. May also experience
emotional numbness and sleep disturbances, depression,
anxiety, and irritability or outbursts of anger. |
PubMed:
Posttraumatic stress disorder and pregnancy complications.
NIMH: Reliving Trauma: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder |
| Neurological (brain) changes |
Vision changes (double vision, involuntary
movements), confusion, disorientation, lack of muscle
coordination |
Notify physician immediately
if you experience any of these symptoms. |
| Exhaustion and/or extreme fatigue |
Lack of energy, weariness, or tiredness.
May be unable to care for self and family. |
|
Updated on:
May. 01, 2006 |
