Hyperemesis Gravidarum describes a serious medical condition when vomiting in pregnancy gets too much.
Bringing a baby into the world is always a thing of joy. Unfortunately, it is not always a pleasant experience the whole nine months. You may experience several symptoms during pregnancy that leave you in a hurry to bring the baby out as soon as possible.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a compound word--a combination of two root words: emesis and gravid. Emesis means vomiting and gravid means pregnant while hyper means too much. So, you have the definition there-- too much vomiting in pregnancy.
Why do pregnant women vomit?
During pregnancy, your body experiences so many profound changes; one of which is a severe distortion in your hormones. Your placenta, which provides nourishment for the growing baby, releases a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), one of the effects of this hormone is it makes your gut hyperactive, making you vomit frequently.
Is Hyperemesis Gravidarum same as morning sickness?
Yes and No! Yes because both Hyperemesis Gravidarum and morning sickness involve vomiting. Both are also linked to the hormone HCG. However, morning sickness includes other symptoms apart from vomiting, including mood swings, poor appetite, and nausea. 
Further, Hyperemesis Gravidarum goes beyond regular morning sickness. People who suffer from this disease experience excessive vomiting in pregnancy, which could cause severe dehydration and even death if rehydration is not instituted fast.
When does vomiting become too much?
Normal vomiting in pregnancy results from rapidly rising levels of oestrogen and the pregnancy hormone, otherwise called human chorionic gonadotropin. However, hyperemesis gravidarum refers to a situation where a pregnant woman vomits uncontrollably much beyond the normal morning sickness experienced by many pregnant women.
What are health implications of hyperemesis gravidarum?
Each time a pregnant woman vomits, you let out lots of fluids and essential blood chemicals. Because hyperemesis gravidarum involves losing too much fluid and nutrients, your body turns to already stored nutrients and fats to power itself, and this leaves many by products that could harm you. In addition, with excessive vomiting comes dehydration, which depletes your blood volume and could cause death.
Other serious health consequences of emesis gravidarum include weight loss and compromised kidney function. So, you can see why mustn't overlook excess vomiting in pregnancy!
Can hyperemesis gravidarum be treated?
Yes, but this condition may require hospital admission-- so don't shy away from this. The treatment comprises two simple measures-- reducing your vomiting and correcting your dehydration through fluids delivered through your veins. You must also avoid the temptation of self-medication or receiving drips at home in treating this potentially life-threatening condition.
Take-home message: Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a serious condition but early recognition and treatment are usually life-saving.
