Many women have experienced the unpleasant symptom of pregnancy sometimes referred to as “morning sickness”. Really, this nausea and vomiting often lasts all day.
However, Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is morning sickness taken to a completely different level. Extreme nausea and vomiting occur, which can cause dehydration and malnourishment. Typically, a woman with this will vomit 3-30 times/day, and often have fatigue, headache, dizziness, low urine output, low blood pressure, higher heart rate, and dry skin.
Severe HG can be dangerous for mom and baby if you don’t reach out for help, but HG can be managed by a specialist.
Causes: It is not always known why HG affects certain women. Sometimes it is high levels of/ a sensitivity to hormone GDF15, transient hyperthyroidism caused by pregnancy, certain deficiencies, or it could be from gastrointestinal changes.
For those in the latter category, “Research finds gastric pacing, acid-reducing medications, metoclopramide Rx, and high protein and liquid meals reduce symptoms.”
https://www.hyperemesis.org/about-hyperemesis-gravidarum/causes/
Diagnosis: When looking for HG, a doctor may look at symptoms, evaluate weight (looking for a weight loss of 5% or more of pre-pregnancy weight), check hydration status indicators, blood tests, urinalysis, TSH levels, and obtain an ultrasound.
Treatment Options: Anti-nausea wrist bands, ginger-infused teas/candy, mints, or trying to keep a little food in the stomach at all times can be helpful for some. Often, doctors will try medications aimed at decreasing the nausea or vomiting in various ways. There are many oral or non-oral medications that a doctor can try. Certain vitamin levels may be low, which may be exacerbating the nausea. Trying to keep blood sugar from going too low can help as well, which is why protein and fiber intake is important if possible (rather than just carbs). It is important to stop the cycle of dehydration in order to ease HG symptoms. Regular IV fluids with vitamins and electrolytes may be helpful and needed. Often, in severe cases, it may take several different medications to decrease symptoms, which may need to change over time.
Treating HG can be challenging. Getting a doctor who is experienced in HG care is important!
You may require a High-Risk Doctor depending on severity.
Outlook: Most often, symptoms decrease between 16 and 20 weeks pregnant, although this varies. One out of 5 women with HG will experience it during the entire pregnancy. However, HG can cause depression and PTSD even after birth. This is especially true if the mom felt unsupported, or her doctor did not take her condition seriously.
If you are experiencing HG: Tell your doctor. Your doctor needs to know the extent of your symptoms and take you seriously. You may need early treatment and a doctor experienced in HG care.
Find a support group that will encourage you. There are many online support groups (check Facebook) that can offer support, empathy, and hope. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and you can get through this!
What NOT to do if you are experiencing HG: Some women feel despair during their time of severe sickness. It can have great mental impact, especially with other contributing stressful factors in her life. Some women feel the desire to commit suicide or have an abortion because of their anguish. Please do not give in to these thoughts. This condition is temporary, and your story of overcoming and pushing through the hard times may go on to be your greatest testimony.
What if this trial is happening to you because your child is going to be the greatest treasure you have in this life?
Every trial has a purpose, and every life has value and purpose.
Bottom Line: Family fights for each other. You may be thinking, “Well, what about my other children? They are suffering because of this too!” That may be correct. However, your job as a parent is to figure out how to get you all through this trial. You won’t be the most amazing parent in every season of your life, and that’s ok. This may be a growing season for your other kids too. And this is not your fault. Good moms figure out a way to make things work. Asking for help is not weakness.
Make sure your doctor is viewing both you and your child as patients. Many have unfortunately dealt with doctors who encourage abortion to those suffering with HG. This is an immediate red flag to change doctors. You need a doctor who will fight for both of you.
You can do this. One moment at a time. Don’t look too far ahead, and don’t give up!