Potential Complications
What Are The Complications Of Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)?
Although numerous depending on individual biochemistry, severity of symptoms, and medical interventions, many potential complications may result from HG. If care is inadequate, ineffective, or delayed, cases of morning sickness or mild HG may progress to moderate or severe HG. With an aggressive and proactive approach to treatment, many sequelae can be avoided.
Signs of Severe HG
- Debilitating, chronic nausea
- Frequent vomiting of bile or blood
- Chronic ketosis and dehydration
- Muscle weakness and extreme fatigue
- Medication does not stop vomiting/nausea
- Inability to care for self (shower, prepare food)
- Loss of over 5-10% of your pre-pregnancy weight
- Weight loss (or little gain) after the first trimester
- Inability to eat/drink sufficiently by about 14 weeks
Possible Complications
There are many possible complications, however with effective treatment, many can be reduced or avoided. Caregivers should be proactive in preventing and managing these potentially life-threatening conditions.
OTHER COMPLICATIONS OF HG
There are many possible complications of HG but the risk is reduced by effective and adequate care.
The sudden loss of the kidneys' ability to excrete wastes, concentrate urine, and conserve electrolytes.
Classic Signs: Decreased urine output, fluid retention, changes in mental status or mood, increased blood pressure, ear noise/buzzing, breath odor, fatigue, nausea, vomiting.
Offsite Research
Yellow discoloring of the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes, caused by too much bilirubin in the blood; indicates overload or damage to the liver, or inability to move bilirubin from the liver through the biliary tract to the gut.
Classic Signs: Yellow skin, mucous membranes, and eyes; itching.
