What is the difference between hyperemesis gravidarum and morning sickness?
Although morning sickness is a form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, hyperemesis gravidarum is a more severe form of morning sickness. Morning sickness is a normal and common symptom of pregnancy, typically starting around the fourth to sixth week and subsiding by the end of the first trimester. For most women, morning sickness is not a cause for concern and can be managed with simple self-care measures. However, in a small percentage of cases, morning sickness can be a more serious condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of morning sickness that can cause dehydration, weight loss, and other complications. It typically starts before the ninth week of pregnancy and can last throughout the entire pregnancy. Although the exact cause of hyperemesis gravidarum is unknown, it is thought to be related to the hormones responsible for causing pregnancy.
The main difference between hyperemesis gravidarum and morning sickness is the severity of the symptoms. Morning sickness is a normal and common symptom of pregnancy that typically causes mild to moderate nausea and vomiting. Hyperemesis gravidarum is a more severe form of morning sickness that can cause severe nausea and vomiting, weight loss, and other complications.
How does hyperemesis gravidarum differ from morning sickness?
Although both hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) and morning sickness can cause nausea, vomiting, and sometimes weight loss during pregnancy, there are important differences between the two conditions. HG is a more severe form of morning sickness that can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and malnutrition if left untreated. Morning sickness, on the other hand, is generally not as severe and does not typically lead to these complications.
HG typically begins in the first trimester of pregnancy and can last throughout the entire pregnancy. Some women with HG only experience nausea, while others may also vomit several times a day. HG can be so severe that some women are unable to keep any food or liquids down and need to be hospitalized.
Morning sickness, on the other hand, is much less severe and is classified as any nausea and vomiting that occurs during pregnancy, typically in the first trimester. Morning sickness can last for a few weeks or the entire pregnancy, but generally goes away after the first trimester.
The exact cause of HG is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a combination of factors, including high levels of pregnancy hormones, a sensitive stomach, and a history of motion sickness or migraines. Morning sickness is also thought to be caused by high levels of pregnancy hormones.
There is no cure for HG, but there are treatments that can help to ease the symptoms. These include anti-nausea medications, vitamins, and ginger. Morning sickness can often be relieved by eating small, frequent meals, avoiding strong smells, and getting plenty of rest.
If you are pregnant and experiencing any type of nausea or vomiting, it is important to contact your healthcare provider. They can help to determine whether you have HG or morning sickness and provide you with the appropriate treatment.
We used pregnancysicknesssuport.org.uk to write this article about mild hyperemesis gravidarum. Click here to learn more.