MEDICAL DICTIONARY
Pregnancy, hyperemesis of: Excessive vomiting during pregnancy which, by definition, leads to the loss of 5% or more of the body weight of the woman.
Also called hyperemesis gravidarum, the disorder affects one in every 300 pregnant women. It is more common in young women, in first pregnancies and in women with multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
Hyperemesis of pregnancy is usually self-limited (stops on its own) and, although very inconvenient and very discomforting, is usually of little clinical consequence. However, sometimes hyperemesis can keep the mother from getting the necessary fluids and nutrition.
Some women with hyperemesis of pregnancy have high concentrations of the hormones hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), estrogen, or thyroid hormone in the blood. A few of them also have clinical manifestations of hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid state).
The treatment of mild hyperemesis of pregnancy is usually with dietary measures, rest and antacids. Moderate hyperemesis may call for the use of drugs (antiemetics) to try to quell it. Severe hyperemesis gravidarum may require intravenous fluids and, if need be, intravenous nutrition.
"Hyper-", over + "emesis", vomiting = literally, overvomiting or excess vomiting. (Gravidarum refers to the "pregnant state.")
|
DISCLAIMER:
Information on this site is provided for informational
purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice
provided by your own physician or other medical professional.
You should not use the information contained herein
for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease,
or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully
all product packaging. Not all Canadian drugs, Canada
prescription and Canadian prescription medicine is available
at discount Canadian on line pharmacies. If you have
or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly
contact your health care provider. Information and statements
regarding diet supplements have not been evaluated by
Health Canada and are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease. All trade and service
marks mentioned on this site are recognized as belonging
to their respective owners.
|
|
|
|
