Pregnancy is a miraculous journey that brings joy and anticipation, but for some expectant mothers, it can also bring a challenging companion- extreme morning sickness. This phenomenon, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, goes beyond the typical morning sickness experienced by many pregnant women.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) presents symptoms like severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and electrolyte disturbance, shared the American Pregnancy Association. The organisation shared that around 70-80% of pregnant women experience morning sickness, out of which a reported 60,000 cases experience HG.
Understanding Hyperemesis Gravidarum
HG can lead to weight loss, dehydration, and nutritional deficiencies. While morning sickness is a common occurrence in the early stages of pregnancy, HG takes it to an extreme level, affecting approximately 1-3% of pregnant women. Here are some reasons why this issue occurs, as provided by researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina:
Genetic Factors
Genetics have a role to play in the susceptibility to extreme morning sickness. Certain genetic factors appear to contribute to an increased risk of developing HG. Understanding these genetic markers could pave the way for more personalised approaches to managing and preventing severe pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.
Hormonal Influence
Hormonal changes during pregnancy, particularly elevated levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and oestrogen are believed to play a significant role in the onset of morning sickness. While these hormonal shifts are a natural part of pregnancy, some women may experience an exaggerated response, leading to extreme morning sickness. However, research is ongoing to unravel the intricate relationship between hormones and HG.
Also Read: Here’s How Curry Leaves May Cure Your Morning Sickness
Gastrointestinal Factors
The gastrointestinal system undergoes various changes during pregnancy, potentially contributing to extreme morning sickness. Issues such as slowed gastric emptying and increased sensitivity to certain smells or tastes may exacerbate nausea and vomiting. Researchers are exploring the connection between gastrointestinal factors and HG to develop targeted interventions.
Metabolic and Nutritional Considerations
In some cases, extreme morning sickness may be linked to metabolic and nutritional factors. Deficiencies in certain nutrients, such as vitamin B6 according to a study conducted by researchers from the Alexandria School of Medicine and South Carolina Department of Mental Health, may contribute to the severity of symptoms. Research is focusing on understanding the metabolic changes that occur during pregnancy and their impact on nutritional status, aiming to develop strategies to support maternal health.
Psychological Factors
Stress, anxiety, and psychological factors can influence the severity of morning sickness symptoms. As per the Victoria State Government- Department of Health, there’s a correlation between emotional well-being and the likelihood of experiencing HG. Exploring the interplay between mental health and extreme morning sickness is an essential aspect of comprehensive research in this field.
Also Read: Easy Tips To Tackle Morning Sickness During Pregnancy and Test Your Knowledge With A Quiz
While extreme morning sickness remains a challenging aspect of pregnancy, ongoing research is unravelling its complexities. From genetic predispositions to hormonal influences and psychological factors, understanding the root causes of HG is a crucial step toward developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. As science continues to advance, the hope is that expectant mothers will experience a smoother and more comfortable journey through pregnancy, minimising the impact of extreme morning sickness.