It’s common for women to feel the effects of morning sickness during pregnancy. In most cases, morning sickness causes mild cases of nausea and occasional vomiting. The symptoms of morning sickness fade after 12-weeks, and rarely last into the second trimester. Some pregnant women may experience the onset of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). HG is a more severe form of morning sickness that results in extreme sensations of nausea and chronic vomiting symptoms.
Women with HG find they experience severe vomiting symptoms that don’t allow them to keep any fluids or food down. As a result, they may experience dehydration, which can cause numerous complications with the pregnancy. The symptoms of the condition begin within the first six weeks of pregnancy and can last for the entire first trimester into the second.
Women with HG may experience a loss of their appetite, and they may not be able to perform their usual daily chores or activities. Here are eight causes of hyperemesis gravidarum.
1. Uncertain Causes
Medical science does not fully understand the root cause of HG. Doctors are at a loss to explain why women develop symptoms of nausea and vomiting due to pregnancy. Many researchers still are no closer to understanding the mechanics of how the disorder works in the body. However, many theories suggest there are plenty of contributing factors to the condition.
Some experts believe that the onset of HG occurs due to a combination of factors that lead to a systemic reaction producing the condition. However, there is no clinical evidence to suggest that this is the case. If you develop symptoms of HG, then your doctor will base the treatment around your symptoms, instead of looking for the cause of the condition.
Doctors use a wide variety of therapies and treatments for women with HG. HRT, hormone replacement therapy, is a common option, as well as treating symptoms of nausea with medication designed to relieve the pain and cramping.