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DESCRIPTION
Hyperemesis Gravidarum is severe nausea and vomiting in a pregnant woman, causing dehydration and drastic changes in body chemistry (such as imbalance of the body's electrolytes). This is different and much more serious than morning sickness during pregnancy.
FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Severe nausea.
Sustained vomiting (usually 4 to 8 weeks), first of mucus, then of bile and finally of blood.
Dehydration.
Failure to gain weight, or weight loss to less than pre-pregnancy weight.
Pale, waxy, dry and sometimes yellow skin (jaundice).
Rapid heartbeat.
Headache, confusion or lethargy.
CAUSES
Unknown. The most common theories include:
- Multiple pregnancy (more than one fetus), producing high levels of a hormone (human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG]).
- Inflammation of the pancreas.
- Bile-duct disease.
- Psychological factors, such as depression or a poor response to stress.
- Thyroid disorders.
RISK INCREASES WITH
Younger maternal age.
First pregnancy.
Maternal overweight.
Single marital status.
Emotional stress.
In Caucasian women.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Don't use any drugs, including non-prescription drugs or alcohol, during pregnancy without medical advice.
Maintain an adequate diet during all stages of pregnancy.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
Usually curable with time and treatment (replacing the lost fluids in the body).
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Severe dehydration.
Poor fetal growth and outcome (rare).
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
Diagnostic tests may be conducted to rule out other disorders of the liver, kidney, pancreas, intestine, and gastrointestinal tract.
Hospitalization or outpatient management usually requires replacement of lost fluids and electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium). IV fluids are necessary when oral intake is not tolerated.
Reduce stress whenever possible. Psychotherapy is often helpful to resolve emotional problems.
Weigh yourself daily and report any unusual changes to your midwife or health care provider.
Acupuncture Treatment
Morning Sickness & Hyperemesis Gravidarum
(www.amazinghealing.com)
Morning sickness within the first trimester of pregnancy is sometimes accompanied with vomiting. Uncomfortable at best, morning sickness symptoms can actually last all day and night. Acupuncture is an a safe and effective natural treatment for pregnant women.
MANUAL ACUPUNCTURE REDUCES HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM
A placebo-controlled, randomized, single-blind, crossover study.
(Carlsson CP, Axemo P, Bodin A, Carstensen H, Ehrenroth B, Madegard-Lind I, Navander C. Physical Medicine Unit, Department of Rehabilitation, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.)
Hyperemesis gravidarum, severe vomiting, develops in about 1-2% of all pregnancies. Acupuncture on the point PC6 above the wrist on the palmar side has been found to prevent some types of nausea and vomiting. The purpose of the present study was to see if acupuncture, in addition to standard treatment, could hasten the improvement of hyperemesis gravidarum. Thirty-three women with hyperemesis were evaluated in a randomized, single-blind, crossover comparison of two methods of acupuncture, active (deep) PC6 acupuncture or placebo (superficial) acupuncture. The women estimated their degree of nausea on a visual analogue scale (VAS).
The daily number of emesis episodes were documented. Crossover analyses showed that there was a significantly faster reduction of nausea VAS and more women who stopped vomiting after active acupuncture than after placebo acupuncture. This study suggests that active PC6 acupuncture, in combination with standard treatment, could make women with hyperemesis gravidarum better faster than placebo acupuncture.
Success of Acupuncture and Acupressure of the Pc 6 Acupoint in the Treatment of Hyperemesis Gravidarum.
D. Habek, A. Barbir, J. . Habek, D. Jan uliak, M. Bobi -Vukovi , Research in Complementary and Classical Natural Medicine 2004;11:20-23
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiemetic effect of acupuncture (AP) and acupressure (Apr) of the Pc 6 acupoint in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Methods: A prospective, placebo-controlled trial included 36 pregnant women with HG. Two methods of acupuncture were used: bilateral manual AP of the Pc 6 (Neiguan) acupoint (group 1, n = 10) and bilateral Apr of the Pc 6 acupoint (group 2, n = 11); furthermore, superficial intracutaneous placebo AP (group 3, n = 8) and placebo Apr (group 4, n = 7) was carried out.
Results: Anxiodepressive symptoms occurred in 9 pregnant women with HG from group 1, 8 women from group 2, 7 women from group 3, and 5 women from group 4 (p less than 0.001). The average gestation age at the occurrence of HG symptoms and the beginning of treatment was 7 weeks in group 1 and 8 weeks in groups 2, 3, and 4. Four women from group 1 and 7 women from groups 2, 3, an 4 needed intravenous compensation of liquid and electrolytes. The antiemetic metoclopramide was given intravenously to 1 woman from group 1, 2 women from group 2, 6 women from group 3, and 4 women from group 4. Promethazine was given to 1 woman from group 2, 1 woman from group 3, and to 3 women from group 4. The efficiency of the HG treatment with AP of the point Pc 6 was 90%, with Apr of the Pc 6 63.6%, with placebo AP 12.5%, and with placebo Apr 0%.
Conclusion: Acupuncture (p less than 0.0001) and acupressure (p less than 0.1) are effective, nonpharmacologic methods for the treatment of HG.
MEDICATION
Intravenous fluid and electrolyte replacement if your condition is serious. Intravenous vitamin therapy and antinausea drugs or therapies may be required.
If other drugs are prescribed for you, carefully follow instructions on the label.
Don't use any medicine, including nonprescription medications to prevent vomiting, without medical advice from your midwife or health care provider.
WARNING! There are no drugs that have been proven absolutely safe for your developing baby. Use extreme caution in taking any medications during pregnancy and then these should only be used after all other methods have been tried and with the careful guidance of your midwife or health care provider..
MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Hyperemesis Gravidarum - Conventional Medical
ACTIVITY
Bed rest may benefit some patients.
After recovery, resume activities slowly as your strength allows. Work and exercise moderately. Rest often.
DIET
If the condition has not reached the point to warrant hospitalization for intravenous fluids, follow these instructions:
- If you feel nauseated in the morning, eat dry toast, cereal or saltine crackers (or any other bland foods) before you get out of bed. Keep them handy.
- Eat small, frequent meals so that you are never too hungry or too full at any one time.
- Don't eat fried or spicy foods; they increase nausea. Limit dairy products, especially butter, milk and cheese.
- Identify any triggers and avoid them.
- Sit upright for 45 minutes after eating.
- Make sure you are drinking enough fluids, especially if you have been vomiting. Try drinking in between meals rather than with meals, which some women find helpful. If you have been vomiting you may need to replace your electrolytes in your body.
- If intravenous fluids are necessary, you will probably progress from them to a clear liquid diet, full liquid diet and then a regular diet with small, frequent meals.
ELECTROLYTE REPLACEMENT PRODUCTS
Electrolyte Concentrate, Elete, Trace Minerals, 4 fl. oz. - ELETE is a perfectly balanced pure electrolyte concentrate that contains important electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, chloride, and sulfate. Many sports drinks contain only potassium and sodium. ELETE not only contains these important electrolytes, but contains magnesium, an essential electrolyte that naturally relaxes muscles to prevent cramping - a nemesis to the performance athlete. ELETE can be added to whatever you want, whenever you need it. Now you don't have to consume sports drinks that are full of sugar and carbs for hydration. Get your carbs at whatever rate works best for you and add in ELETE for pure and effective hydration - the perfect combination to enhance your performance. Serving Size is 1/2 Teaspoon Added to any beverage and mix well.
Electrolyte Stamina Power Pak, Raspberry, Trace Minerals, 32 Ct Packs, 0.23 oz Each Pack - Electrolytes are needed to maintain proper fluid balance and to optimize your energy levels so you can function at your best. Electrolyte Stamina Power Pak is an easy-to-fix high performance energy drink with no caffeine, artificial stimulants or artificial ingredients. This formula contains 1200 mg of Vitamin C, an essential anti-oxidant for people who are active and on the go. It also contains all major electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, chloride and sodium), plus over 72 verified ionic minerals and trace minerals from ConcenTrace®, which accelerates assimilation and absorption of vitamins and nutrients.
Electrolyte Stamina Power Pak, Orange, Trace Minerals, 32 Ct Packs, 0.23 oz Each Pack - Electrolytes are needed to maintain proper fluid balance and to optimize your energy levels so you can function at your best. Electrolyte Stamina Power Pak is an easy-to-fix high performance energy drink with no caffeine, artificial stimulants or artificial ingredients. This formula contains 1200 mg of Vitamin C, an essential anti-oxidant for people who are active and on the go. It also contains all major electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, chloride and sodium), plus over 72 verified ionic minerals and trace minerals from ConcenTrace®, which accelerates assimilation and absorption of vitamins and nutrients.
Electrolyte Stamina Power Pak, Lime, Trace Minerals, 32 Ct Packs, 0.23 oz Each Pack - Electrolytes are needed to maintain proper fluid balance and to optimize your energy levels so you can function at your best. Electrolyte Stamina Power Pak is an easy-to-fix high performance energy drink with no caffeine, artificial stimulants or artificial ingredients. This formula contains 1200 mg of Vitamin C, an essential anti-oxidant for people who are active and on the go. It also contains all major electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, chloride and sodium), plus over 72 verified ionic minerals and trace minerals from ConcenTrace®, which accelerates assimilation and absorption of vitamins and nutrients.
MORNING SICKNESS SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Peppermint Stomach Soother Tea, Yogi Tea, Caffeine Free, Certified Organic, 16 Tea Bags - Organic Peppermint Tea from Yogi Tea is the perfect way to lift your spirits and quiet your stomach; with a fresh flavor and aroma you will want to enjoy everyday.
Vitamin C 1000 with Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps - Nature's Way Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems.
Nausea / Morning & Motion Sickness Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - The Nausea / Morning & Motion Sickness Tincture is for upset stomach, nausea, and morning sickness; helps to soothe and calm the stomach.
Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine), 100 mg, 100 Caps - Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine) is converted in the body to the main coenzyme responsible for amino acid and protein metabolism.
Vitamin C 500 with Rosehips, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 500 mg, 250 VCaps - Nature's Way Vitamin C with Rosehips provides antioxidant protection useful in treating infections, bruising, colds & flu, sinusitis, sore throats, blood clots, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, physical and mental stress, immune function, cholesterol levels, liver toxicity and assists in collagen formation.
Stomach Upset Formula Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - Stomach Upset Formula is used as an all natural herbal remedy for an upset stomach and acidosis, digestive problems, halitosis, morning sickness, and motion sickness.
L-Methionine, 500 mg + B-6, 10 mg, 100 Caps - L-Methionine is an essential sulfur amino acid. The body cannot produce L-Methionine, which must be obtained from food or supplement sources.
Ginger Tea, 20 Tea Bags - Caffeine Free Ginger Tea is used in Chinese medicine to remove toxins, warm the stomach, maintain good health, especially in changing weather conditions, and to prevent seasickness.
Ginger Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - Ginger Root helps to promote gastric secretions, thus aiding with food absorption and excellent for indigestion, flatulence, nausea (including travel sickness), and colic.
Kelp Seaweed (Norwegian) Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - Due to overwhelming research results, Kelp has become an effective treatment for hyperthyroidism.
Ginger Peach Longevity Tea, Republic of Tea, Regular, 50 Tea Bags - Ginger Peach Longevity Tea is one of the best selling teas with the sweet lushness of a fancy peach with spicy ginger. Voted "Outstanding Beverage" by the National Association of the Specialty Food Trade.
Motion Mate Formula w/ Ginger (Natural Motion Sickness Remedy), Nature's Way, 100 Caps - Motion Mate, a natural motion sickness remedy, formula is based on clinical studies that show ginger root is more effective against motion sickness than dimenhydrenate, but exhibits none of the negative side effects.
Female Estrogen with Progesterone Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - Female Estrogen With Progesterone formula is used mainly to promote hormonal balance. It does not contain hormones, however.
Alfalfa Leaves, Nature's Way, 405 mg, 100 Caps - Nature's Way Alfalfa Leaves are organically grown by Trout Lake Farm, Washington, and Certified Organically Processed in accordance with Oregon Tilth standards and the California Organic Foods Act of 1990.
Prenatal Multi-Vitamin & Mineral, 100% Natural & Complete, Nature's Way, 180 Caps - Nature's Way Prenatal Vitamin with Folic Acid is a women's complete vitamin formulated to support the health of the mother and child.
Morning Sickness Supplements, Information & Products
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You or a family member has symptoms hyperemesis gravidarum.
Nausea, vomiting or weight loss worsen, despite treatment.
MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Hyperemesis Gravidarum - Conventional Medical
MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Hyperemesis Gravidarum
MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Morning Sickness - With Holistic Treatments.
MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Homeopathic Therapy For Morning Sickness
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