How is hyperemesis gravidarum different to morning sickness?
Even though it doesn’t always happen in the morning, morning sickness is a term used to describe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Most pregnant people experience morning sickness to some degree.
More severe hyperemesis gravidarum affects one in every 100 pregnant women. When morning sickness becomes severe enough to be referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum is not clearly defined.
In general, people who experience morning sickness may find certain foods to be off-putting, but they can still eat and drink and don’t lose a lot of weight. Symptoms come and go and usually improve with dietary changes. Your mood and capacity to perform your daily tasks may occasionally be affected.
People with hyperemesis gravidarum have symptoms that are severe and constant. They have difficulty eating and drinking anything and usually need medicines and intravenous fluids. It often involves having to take time off work and needing help with your daily activities. It may affect your mood and in some cases could cause post-traumatic stress after your baby is born.
Typically, morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum begin between weeks four and ten of pregnancy and subside by week twenty. Some people continue to have symptoms throughout pregnancy.
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