Pregnant women usually experience morning sickness. Almost 70% of them show symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Severe morning sickness during pregnancy is medically known as hyperemesis gravidarum. Pregnant women can’t eat or drink properly, lose weight, and get dehydrated due to this condition. Hyperemesis gravidarum is very harmful to pregnant women and might cause health problems for the baby as well. As this condition is very serious, some pregnant women need to be hospitalized for proper treatment.Â
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal can help healthcare professionals understand its causes, diagnosis, and treatment to cure it. Healthcare professionals were not sure about the reasons previously. But the research conducted by Dr. Larissa Jansen and her team has revealed some causes such as pregnancy at a young age, pregnancy with a female child, multiple pregnancies, and having medical conditions such as thyroid, type 1 diabetes, parathyroid dysfunction, and hypercholesterolemia increase the risk of hyperemesis gravidarum.Â
According to this research, healthcare professionals can suggest an anti-nausea (antiemetic) drug for pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum. If this drug doesn’t work, they can suggest other medications. Home remedies such as the consumption of ginger products can also help pregnant women. Even though the effectiveness of ginger products is not known clearly, it reduces mild nausea and vomiting for some women.Â
The researchers of this study also suggest that pregnant women should not use cannabis to treat hyperemesis gravidarum during their pregnancies. Cannabis during pregnancy can affect the development of the brains of babies and increase the risk of neurocognitive outcomes. Â
Even though the researchers think there is a need for further research, these findings are helpful for pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum. These findings will help healthcare professionals to make effective strategies to reduce the risk of hyperemesis gravidarum. Â
Reference Link:Â Â
Diagnosis and treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum, Canadian Medical Association Journal (2024). Â
