Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Alternate Names : Severe Vomiting in Pregnancy
How is the condition diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on a history of the woman's symptoms
and a physical exam. Lab tests are also done to look for signs of
dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. These tests may include:
amylase
blood calcium level
serum electrolytes, which can show low
potassium or
sodium levels in blood.
Low levels can mean dehydration or acid-base imbalance.
hematocrit, part of a blood count,
which may become high due to dehydration
liver enzymes and bilirubin
urinalysis for ketones and specific gravity. Ketones are a sign of starvation.
Specific gravity can show dehydration.
An ultrasound may also be done to check the condition of
the baby and the womb. If a woman has abdominal pain or vomits blood,
the doctor may do an endoscopy. This is a test where a small tube is
passed through a woman's mouth and throat down to her stomach. The
tube has a light at the end, which helps the doctor to look for problems
in the stomach.
Extreme nausea and vomiting in pregnancy may also mean
there are other more serious disorders going on. These include:
hydatidiform mole, which is an abnormal tumorous growth of the placenta
viral gastroenteritis
flu
food poisoning
hepatitis A
hepatitis B
hepatitis C
urinary tract infection
appendicitis
cholecystitis,
which is an inflammation of the gallbladder
ulcers
Tests that may help to rule out other disorders include:
serum for hepatitis testing
liver function tests
ultrasound to look at gallbladder
urinalysis
and culture
to test for bacteria
ultrasound to look for twins or a tumorous growth of the placenta
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