Hyperemesis Gravidarum (also known as HG) is a rare and extreme case of
morning sickness that occurs at any or all stages of pregnancy. Morning
sickness is the most common sign of pregnancy so you might think ‘yeah, this is
normal stuff’. We are sorry to burst your bubble mama but, it isn’t! Here are
two reasons why;
- HG leaves you severely dehydrated and often suffering from electrolytes imbalance.
- Regular morning sickness usually stops after the first trimester. Vomiting attributed to HG often lasts the entire duration of the pregnancy and is usually severe.
Research has shown that HG occurs in less than 2% of pregnancies. Her Royal
Highness, the Duchess of Cambridge happened to be a part of this demographic.
Kate Middleton experienced hyperemesis gravidarum in all three of her
pregnancies. Speaking about it on the ‘Happy Mom, Happy Baby’ podcast, she
described it as “very bad morning sickness” and said it made her feel “utterly
rotten”.
No woman ever thinks she’d suffer HG; some women don’t even know what it
is until it hits them in the face without warning. Pregnancy on its own can be
complicated but adding HG to the equation makes it almost unbearable.
Dreadful thoughts begin to creep up in your mind- thoughts about death, birth
and life. You begin to feel like you are living outside your body.
There’s also the constant trips and sleepovers in the hospital in order for fluids
to be passed into the body intravenously. Women survive this every single day!
This goes to prove that every woman’s body has an innate strength that carries
her through the extremities of life.
Dear Woman,
I want you to know that the situation that seems like it’s about to sink you
doesn’t know you are the freaking tsunami! Give that situation (especially if it’s
HG) a run for the money and win. You got this!
Back to the matter. If you are not sure what you are experiencing is HG, this is
what you should look out for.
SYMPTOMS OF HYPEREMERSIS GRAVIDARUM
• Losing weight as pregnancy progresses
• Feeling dizzy and/or light-headed
• Prolonged Nausea – feeling nauseous at all hours of the day
• Loss of appetite
• Inability to keep food or fluid down thereby leading to dehydration
• Persistent Vomiting – vomiting more than four times a day
Some of the effects of HG are low birth weight and preterm birth. If you think
you might be experiencing HG or any of the symptoms listed above, it is
advised that you contact your doctor for professional help as HG could quickly
become a life-threatening situation.
TIPS FOR MANAGING HG
• Rest, Rest, Rest. Rest as much as you need to
• Speak to your body and your baby. Say positive affirmations every day
whilst bearing in mind that it is not your fault you have HG
• HG is beyond your control so focus on the things you can control. Braid
your hair, do your nails, go for walks or do whatever else makes you
happy.• Take every day as it comes and avoid thinking beyond the next few days.
It wouldn’t help to imagine ‘suffering through’ the coming weeks or the
rest of the pregnancy
• Ask for help if and when you need it
• Engage your mind. Avoid lying in bed all day crying or thinking about
the situation. Read a book, watch a TV series, call a friend to catch up or
do something fun with your spouse/partner. This will help you feel better
and more relaxed
• Stay hydrated by drinking water or fluids slowly in small quantities or by
sipping with a straw. You could also try sucking on ice cubes
• Eat smaller and more frequent meals
• Use HG medications as prescribed by a doctor.
HG can take a toll on your physical and mental wellbeing. Do not let it. Speak
to a therapist or a doctor. You might not have power over what HG puts you
through but you have the power over how you feel and respond to the situation.
Stay Strong! Stay Winning!
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