Patient's question:
Medical Description: My wife is 92 days pregnant today... These days, she experiences dry heaving every afternoon... It's fine in the morning... Past Treatment and Effect: No treatment has been administered... Desired Help: Is this normal?Doctor's answer:
Women typically begin to experience early pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and food aversion around the sixth week of pregnancy. Because these symptoms are often more severe when fasting in the morning, they are also referred to as "morning sickness," commonly known as "morbid pregnancy." Pregnancy-induced vomiting generally has little impact on daily life and work, as it is considered a normal physiological response that does not require special treatment. It usually resolves naturally around the 12th week of pregnancy. However, a small number of pregnant women experience severe symptoms, with frequent nausea and vomiting occurring throughout the day, inability to eat, and even vomiting bile, which severely affects their health and threatens their lives. This condition is known as hyperemesis gravidarum. Traditional Chinese medicine refers to it as "pregnancy-induced vomiting." It is more common among young women who are fearful, anxious, or highly sensitive about their pregnancy. It is also frequently observed in multiple pregnancies and molar pregnancies. The exact cause remains unclear. Due to the excessive consumption of gastric fluids from frequent vomiting and insufficient intake, dehydration and metabolic disorders often occur, leading to acidosis. In severe cases, prolonged symptoms can result in complications such as liver and kidney failure. If hyperemesis gravidarum occurs, the patient should be hospitalized immediately for examination and treatment. Additionally, it is important to monitor their mental state, understand their emotional well-being, provide comfort, and undergo psychological therapy to alleviate their concerns.