Pregnant And Can T Keep Anything Down
Pregnant And Can T Keep Anything Down: Some pregnant women experience very bad nausea and vomiting. They might be sick many times a day and be unable to keep food or drink down, which can impact on their daily life. This extreme morning sickness is known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). The condition usually lasts only for the first three months of pregnancy but it may last longer in some cases. Women with HG will need special care at home during this time.
The exact cause of HG isn’t clear, but hormones are thought to play a part. Increased levels of certain hormones produced by the placenta and the developing fetus affect the stomach lining and make the woman more sensitive to pain from nausea. Nausea also occurs naturally when you’re expecting a child. But, most people who have experienced an episode of HG say that they had no idea why it was happening until after they’d been diagnosed.
Symptoms Of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Women with HG usually start experiencing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and fatigue around two weeks before their due date. Some other signs include:
vomiting blood
sore throat
dumping skin
tearing
watery eyes
diarrhea
nausea-induced headaches
stomach pains
feeling faint
If your doctor suspects HG, he or she will want to take steps to ensure your health and safety. These measures could involve taking blood samples, giving you medication, monitoring your weight gain, etc… It’s important to remember that if you do not feel well enough to go to work or school, then you should call your employer or teacher.
Treatment For Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Your healthcare provider may prescribe antiemetics to help relieve the nausea and vomiting. Antihistamines are sometimes used to reduce the amount of histamine secreted by the immune system into the bloodstream when you become allergic to something. Your doctor may also give you laxatives such as Bisacodyl to try to prevent diarrhea. You may even receive intravenous fluids to provide nutrition to your growing baby while reducing the amount of fluid being lost through frequent vomiting. If all else fails, a hospital stay may be recommended.
Tips To Help With Hyperemesis Gravidarum
It is possible to learn how to live with hyperemesis gravidarum and manage the condition without needing any kind of medical intervention. There are several things you can do to ease the discomfort associated with HG. Here are just a few tips to get you started:
Avoid caffeine and alcohol, especially if you are having severe episodes of HG. Alcohol consumption has been shown to worsen nausea.
Eat small meals throughout the day. Eating large amounts of food at once can lead to indigestion. Smaller meals spaced out over hours helps ensure that there is enough room in your stomach to digest what you’ve eaten.
Drink lots of water. Drinking plenty of water keeps your body hydrated and helps to combat dehydration. Dehydration makes nausea worse because it leads to dry mouth and constipation.
Try acupressure. Acupressure involves using finger pressure points along specific lines on the face called meridians. Pressing these spots relieves muscle tension which reduces nausea. Try asking someone to massage your face in the areas where you see the acupressure spots.
Keep yourself busy. Stay entertained with activities that don’t require much movement. Reading, watching television shows, listening to music, talking with friends, playing games, and doing household chores.
Take baths instead of showers. Bathing takes up less space than showering and can help keep your bathroom cleaner. Also, avoid putting hot items directly next to the bathtub faucet. Hot water causes the pipes to expand and may cause them to burst. Use lukewarm water instead.
Exercise safely. Exercise provides energy and activity which helps alleviate nausea. Avoid vigorous exercise however, since it can increase the release of stress hormones which can further aggravate nausea. Instead choose low intensity exercises to promote relaxation.
Use herbal remedies. Herbs are natural substances found in plants. Many herbs contain compounds that act on the central nervous system to produce calming effects. Aromatherapy uses essential oils derived from flowers and leaves to stimulate receptors in the brain. Chamomile tea contains chamazulene, a substance that relaxes smooth muscles and nerves. Ginger root stimulates circulation and disperses mucus. Peppermint oil increases intestinal motility and gastric emptying. Echinacea purpurea is another herb that fights infection and treats inflammation. Other herbs that improve digestion include dandelion leaf, burdock root, plantain leaf, and white oak bark.
Remember that hyperemesis gravidarum is temporary. Most women recover within four weeks. However, it is best to consult with your doctor if you become concerned about your own health, particularly if you are worried that you are suffering from HG.
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