1.Recognizing the Symptoms of Hyperemesis Gravidarum

    Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) starts in the first trimester, usually around the sixth week, and

causes much more severe symptoms than morning sickness. Common signs include:

● Severe nausea and vomiting, more than three times a day.

● Difficulty keeping food or liquids down, leading to dehydration.

● Losing more than 5% of pre-pregnancy weight.

● Dizziness, tiredness, and urinating less than usual.

● Fainting or headaches.

In severe cases, HG can also cause rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, dry skin, confusion,

and may lead to serious complications like liver damage or a neurological condition from

malnutrition.

2.How Healthcare Providers Diagnose HG

    Diagnosis typically begins with a visit to a healthcare provider, where they will evaluate the

symptoms and medical history. The process can involve several steps:

1. Medical History and Symptom Review: The healthcare provider will ask about your

symptoms, how often you are vomiting, and whether you have been able to keep food or

liquids down. They will also want to know how much weight you ha ve lost since

becoming pregnant. If your vomiting is preventing you from going about your daily

activities or if it’s becoming severe, HG could be the cause.

2. Physical Examination: The provider will check for signs of dehydration or malnutrition.

They may take your blood pressure and pulse, check your weight, and examine your

skin and overall condition. A physical exam helps rule out other possible causes of

nausea and vomiting.

3. Blood and Urine Tests: To check for dehydration and monitor your overall health, your

provider may order blood and urine tests. These tests can help determine if you have

low electrolyte levels or if your kidneys and liver are being affected by dehydration or

other complications of HG. They may also look for signs of other underlying issues that

could be contributing to the symptoms
4. Ultrasound: An ultrasound may be done to check if you are carrying more than one

baby (twins or multiples), as multiple pregnancies increase the chances of HG.

Additionally, ultrasound helps rule out conditions like gestational trophoblastic disease

(GTD), where abnormal cells grow in the uterus, causing similar symptoms.

5. Ruling Out Other Causes: Since vomiting can be caused by other conditions like

gastrointestinal issues or infections, the provider may need to rule out other potential

causes. This can be done through tests and assessments to confirm that HG is the

primary issue