What to do if you have severe morning sickness

Patient's question:

Main symptoms: Severe morning sickness, vomiting everything eaten, is it due to food stagnation in the stomach? Onset time: 6 weeks Test results: None

Doctor's answer:

The etiology of hyperemesis gravidarum remains unclear, possibly primarily related to the hormonal mechanisms within the body and the imbalance of mental state. The role of hormones refers to the highest levels of HCG in the early stages of pregnancy when nausea and vomiting are most severe. In twin pregnancies or patients with molar pregnancy, the concentration of HCG in the blood is significantly elevated, and the number of individuals experiencing vomiting also increases, suggesting a close relationship between this condition and HCG. Additionally, if adrenal cortical function is low, insufficient secretion of corticosteroids may occur, leading to disturbances in water and carbohydrate metabolism, resulting in gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Moreover, symptoms can be significantly improved with the use of ACTH or corticosteroids, indicating that adrenal cortical dysfunction may also be related to pregnancy-induced vomiting. Some believe that a deficiency in vitamin B6 may also be one of the causes. Regardless, psychological factors play a significant role in the occurrence of pregnancy-induced vomiting, especially if the pregnant woman has a fear of pregnancy itself, feelings of aversion, or is influenced by folk superstitions, all of which can exacerbate vomiting. Individuals with a history of severe dysmenorrhea are also more likely to experience pregnancy-induced vomiting.
1. For mild pregnancy-induced vomiting, special treatment is generally not required. It is important to understand whether the patient has any concerns about the pregnancy, monitor their mental state, and provide psychological support. Based on the patient's preferences, easily digestible foods should be provided in small, frequent meals, and high-fat foods should be avoided. Additionally, since cooking odors can easily trigger or worsen vomiting, patients should be kept away from such environments until they recover. Vitamin B1, B6, and small doses of sedatives such as luminal tribramate may provide some relief for general symptoms.
2. For severe vomiting or cases accompanied by dehydration and ketonuria, hospitalization and intravenous fluid supplementation are necessary.