What is pregnancy sickness?
Don’t say
morning sickness
The term "morning sickness" fails to capture the debilitating nature of the condition. By using a term that trivialises the experience, there's a risk of downplaying the impact of pregnancy sickness on a person's physical and mental wellbeing.
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms experienced by many pregnant individuals, affecting between 70-80% of all pregnancies. These symptoms typically occur during the first trimester, although they can persist throughout pregnancy for some. This condition is often referred to as "morning sickness," although it can occur at any time of the day. While mild nausea and vomiting are considered a normal part of pregnancy, severe and persistent symptoms may indicate a more serious condition such as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).
Treatment for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy typically involves lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and over-the-counter or prescription medications. For mild cases, simple measures such as eating small, frequent meals, avoiding triggers like strong odours, and staying hydrated may help alleviate symptoms. In more severe cases, anti-nausea medications, intravenous fluids, and hospitalisation for close monitoring and supportive care may be necessary.
Overall, while nausea and vomiting in pregnancy can be uncomfortable and disruptive, they are usually not harmful to the mother or baby. However, it's essential for pregnant individuals to seek medical attention if they experience severe or persistent symptoms, as these may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires intervention. Despite proper treatment, the condition can exert a profound physical and emotional toll on affected individuals and their families.
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe and debilitating form of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy that goes beyond typical NVP. While NVP impacts between 70-80% of all pregnancies, HG affects a smaller percentage of pregnant individuals, estimated to be around 1-3%.
Symptoms of HG include persistent and uncontrollable vomiting, severe nausea, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and significant weight loss. Unlike NVP, HG can pose serious health risks to both the pregnant individual and the developing foetus if left untreated.
Management of HG often requires medical intervention, including hospitalisation for intravenous fluids, anti-nausea medications, and nutritional support. Overall, while both NVP and HG involve nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, HG represents a more severe and potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt medical attention and intervention.
What is HG?
While there have been numerous theories regarding the cause of HG - including HcG levels, nutrient deficiencies and increased sensitivities to taste and smell - it is only in the last few years that researchers have been able to point directly to a likely culprit.
GDF15, or Growth Differentiation Factor 15, has been identified as a potential biomarker for hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). GDF15 is a protein that is naturally produced in the body, particularly in response to tissue injury, inflammation, or stress. Recent studies have found that GDF15 levels are significantly elevated in women with HG compared to those with normal pregnancies or mild pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.
Researchers hypothesise that GDF15 may play a role in regulating nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, possibly by affecting the central nervous system and gastrointestinal function. However, the exact mechanisms by which GDF15 contributes to HG symptoms are still being investigated.
Understanding the role of GDF15 in HG could have significant implications for diagnosis, treatment, and management of the condition. It may lead to the development of targeted therapies that specifically address the underlying biological mechanisms driving severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Additionally, GDF15 levels could potentially serve as a biomarker for predicting HG severity and monitoring treatment response.
Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of GDF15 in HG and its potential clinical applications. However, these findings represent an exciting avenue for advancing our understanding and management of this challenging condition.
What causes HG?
Pregnancy sickness, particularly in its severe form of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), can also have a profound impact on mental health. The relentless nausea and vomiting, coupled with the physical discomfort and debilitation, often lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. Many sufferers find themselves grappling with a sense of helplessness and frustration as they struggle to fulfil their daily responsibilities and care for themselves and their families. The constant battle with symptoms, combined with the lack of understanding and support from others, can erode self-esteem and confidence. Moreover, the emotional toll of HG is not limited to the duration of pregnancy; it can linger long after childbirth, contributing to postpartum depression and anxiety. It's essential for healthcare providers and support networks to recognise and address the mental health challenges associated with pregnancy sickness, offering compassion, validation, and appropriate interventions to help individuals cope and heal.