What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

Written By Daybreak Doulas

So you have been dealing with morning sickness for weeks now, and there seems to be no end or relief in sight....now what?

You actually may be not as crazy as you feel and may be struggling with a condition called Hyperemesis Gravidarum.

There are many women struggling every day of their pregnancy with this and feeling “downplayed” by their provider may be a common scenario. If you have even the tiniest feeling that this may be happening to you, contact your medical provider as soon as possible. Sometimes it can be a long process of diagnosing before getting the relief you deserve. And also know that you are not alone! Lets dive in...

What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a condition that affects a small percentage of pregnancies that can be mild or severe. Women who have this condition experience severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and electrolyte disturbance. Symptoms of HG normally appear between 4-6 weeks pregnant and may peak between 9-13 weeks of pregnancy. Typically women experience some relief between weeks 14-20, in severe cases women may require care for HG throughout the rest of their pregnancy.

How to distinguish between morning sickness and HG:

Morning Sickness:

  • Nausea sometimes accompanied by vomiting.

  • Nausea that subsides at 12 weeks or soon after nausea that does not subside.

  • Vomiting that does not cause severe dehydration.

  • Vomiting that allows you to keep some food down.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum:

  • Nausea accompanied by severe vomiting.

  • Nausea that does not subside.

  • Vomiting that causes severe dehydration.

  • Vomiting that does not allow you to keep any food down.

It is always recommended to stay in close contact with your provider so they can help make the decision to seek out more in-depth treatment or not. Your provider may have you seek out more treatment if you experience weight loss of 5% or more of pre-pregnancy weight, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, fainting, or show other signs of extreme dehydration.

Treatments:

Some providers will suggest anti-nausea medication, bed rest, acupressure, herbs, or other homeopathic remedies. In severe cases of HG, hospitalization may be recommended. They would most likely treat the condition with intravenous fluids (IV), tube feeding, or prescription medications.

Resources:

  • Adapt Kitchen Juice Bar - grab a yummy fresh pressed juice located in Wilmington, NC

  • Vitalize Wellness - IV hydration & Vitamin Therapy located in Cary, NC

  • Raleigh Raw - snag a freshly pressed ginger juice packed with lots of other goodness located in Raleigh, NC

Daybreak Doulas
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