Question

A 20-year-old primigravida at 10 weeks comes with persistent vomiting.

Hint:

The most common cause of vomiting in early pregnancy is morning sickness, but persistent vomiting could indicate a more severe condition like hyperemesis gravidarum.

Answer 1

Step 1: Causes of Vomiting in Pregnancy.
Vomiting during pregnancy is common, especially in the first trimester, and can be caused by several factors. The main causes of vomiting in pregnancy include:
(1) Morning Sickness (Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy - NVP):
- Occurs in early pregnancy, usually before 12 weeks, and is related to hormonal changes, particularly human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen.
(2) Hyperemesis Gravidarum:
- A more severe form of nausea and vomiting, often leading to dehydration, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalances. This condition usually requires medical treatment.
(3) Gastrointestinal Causes:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GER, gastritis, or peptic ulcers may exacerbate vomiting during pregnancy.
(4) Infections:
- Gastrointestinal infections (e.g., gastroenteritis) or urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause nausea and vomiting.
(5) Metabolic Disorders:
- Disorders like diabetic ketoacidosis (in diabetic women) or thyroid disorders may present with vomiting.