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 

Women suffer greatly with HG, and effective intervention early in pregnancy can greatly ease the misery and stress associated with this disease.

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.

Acute Renal Failure

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

PubMed Research on HG and Renal Failure

Atrophy
Coagulopathy 
Deconditioning 
Hemorrhagic Retinitis 
Hypoglycemia 
Jaundice

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. 


Offsite Research 

PubMed Research on Jaundice and HG

Pneumomediastinum 
Rhabdomyolysis 
Splenic Avulsion 
Spontaneous Globe Subluxation
Vasospasms of Cerebral Arteries