Causes and risk factors
Although the exact cause is not known, it is believed that increase in the HCG and estrogen hormone causes severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Certain factors increases the risk for morning sickness like obesity, first pregnancy, multiple pregnancy or hyatidiform mole. Dietary errors is one of the major causes of morning sickness.
Clinical presentation:
As the name suggest women during pregnancy experience severe nausea and vomiting. It mostly occurs during first trimester. Although most of the time it occurs during morning hours, however the patient can experience this symptoms any time of the day. Smell or sight of food also evokes nausea. Patient experiences aversion to food. In severe cases it can lead to decrease in urine output, dehydration, fall in blood pressures, headache, weakness and extreme fatigue.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done of the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient .History of pregnancy confirms the diagnosis. Apart from the routine monthly checkups and investigations which a mother undergoes during pregnancy no other investigations are required for morning sickness.
Treatment:
Most of the cases of hyperemesis does not need any treatment and can be managed by certain changes in the diet and routine during pregnancy. Medications are usually not suggested during this period. In severe cases intravenous fluid can be administered. Certain measures like vitamin B6 supplements under doctor prescription, Taking small meals, drinking adequate amount of water, avoiding intake of spicy food, proper amount of rest and exercises needs to be implemented.
Other Modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the disease. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints. Acupuncture which includes of applying pressures on P6 pint on the wrist is found to be effective.
Recent update:
The researchers, from the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto carried out some study which was published in the journal Reported Toxicology which revealed that Mothers who suffered from morning sickness had fewer premature births.
