Severe Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy
Severe nausea and vomiting, often referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum, can occur during pregnancy. Mild nausea and vomiting are common, especially in the first trimester.
However, when these symptoms become intense and persistent, they can be much more than a mere inconvenience. Severe nausea and vomiting can lead to significant nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, and imbalances in body fluids and electrolytes, all of which are harmful to the baby.
A lack of proper nutrition can stunt the growth of the fetus, while dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can cause dangerous complications such as kidney failure and low blood pressure.
Anemia in Pregnancy
Anemia is a frequent condition during pregnancy, especially due to a deficiency in iron, which is necessary for producing hemoglobin. If left untreated, anemia can lead to severe complications for both the mother and the baby.
Symptoms of anemia in pregnancy can include extreme fatigue, dizziness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations.
If the condition persists, it increases the risk of preterm labor, low birth weight, and complications during delivery, such as excessive bleeding. Additionally, mothers with anemia are more likely to experience fatigue and infections after childbirth.
Why Are These Two Conditions Dangerous?
While hyperemesis gravidarum and anemia might seem like minor issues at first, both conditions can become life-threatening if ignored. The symptoms often resemble those of more common pregnancy discomforts, which is why they can be easily overlooked.
Hyperemesis gravidarum, if not managed, can lead to dehydration, which raises the risks of preterm birth, low blood pressure, and fetal growth restrictions. In extreme cases, it can even be fatal for both mother and child.
Similarly, untreated anemia can result in complications like bleeding, premature delivery, infection, and low birth weight. It can also leave the mother exhausted and vulnerable during labor and recovery.
Expectant mothers should be vigilant and watch for signs of dehydration, such as excessive thirst, dark urine, or infrequent urination, as well as symptoms of anemia, including extreme fatigue, dizziness, pale skin, and shortness of breath. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical help immediately.
Prompt treatment can prevent serious complications and help ensure a healthier pregnancy for both mother and baby. For medical advice, you can use the Ai Care health consultation service, available on both the App Store and Play Store.
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- dr Nadia Opmalina
NIH (2024). What are some common complications of pregnancy?. Available from: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancy/conditioninfo/complications
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Cleveland Clinic (2023). Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12232-hyperemesis-gravidarum
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Michael K. Georgieff, MD (2020). Iron Deficiency in Pregnancy. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7492370/
Cleveland Clinic (2022). Intrauterine Growth Restriction. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24017-intrauterine-growth-restriction
American Pregnancy Association. Dehydration During Pregnancy. Available from: https://americanpregnancy.org/womens-health/dehydration-pregnancy/
