What Every Pregnant Woman Needs to Know
Many women see pregnancy as a time of magic and radiance in their lives. Anyone who has been pregnant knows it is not all sunshine and rainbows, especially when morning sickness won’t stay in the morning. In the first trimester, nausea and vomiting can be unpleasant but manageable for many women. Others, however, find the reality much more difficult.
You might think that morning nausea is just a short-term bout of sickness that lasts a few days before disappearing. What happens when the nausea and vomiting persist? What happens when nausea and vomiting is so severe you cannot eat or drink, feel exhausted, and lose weight? You may be suffering from hyperemesis gestidarum. This is a more severe condition than morning sickness.
What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)?
Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a severe pregnancy sickness characterized with nausea and vomiting that never stops, weight loss and electrolyte and fluid imbalances. Morning sickness is common in 70-80% of pregnant women. HG, however, affects only 0.3-1.5 percent of all pregnancies.
Untreated HG symptoms can be dangerous. Some women need to be hospitalized to receive intravenous fluids and anti-nausea medication that is safe for pregnancy. Even with treatment, HG may persist for several weeks or even months and sometimes last the entire pregnancy.
What Causes Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
The cause of HG is not known, but it’s generally associated with the increase in pregnancy hormones. This includes human chorionic gonadtropin (hCG), and estrogen. The symptoms usually begin between the fourth and sixth week of pregnancy. They peak between weeks nine and thirteen. The majority of women experience relief in the second trimester. However, some women continue to suffer symptoms until they deliver.
A history of migraines or motion sickness may also contribute to HG. It is possible that there are genetic factors, since the condition runs in families.
How Can You Tell the Difference Between Morning Sickness and Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
As the name suggests, morning sickness is usually mild, and is limited to nausea. Sometimes, vomiting may occur. It is manageable and doesn’t affect your life too much.
HG is marked as:
- Severe nausea and vomiting that occurs frequently (more than 3 times per day, or even dozens of times)
- Dehydration can result from an inability to consume food or liquids.
- Weight loss of at least 5% of the pre-pregnancy weight
- Electrolyte imbalances can cause fatigue, dizziness and even fainting.
It is important to consult a doctor immediately if you have these symptoms.
Living through HG – A Mother’s Perspective
It’s hard enough to live with HG when you are the only one. For many women, this challenge is doubled when they have older children. It can be difficult to manage nausea when you are caring for toddlers or older children.
Mums have learned a lot from their own experiences and can offer you some practical advice.
1. Stay Hydrated – Even When it Feels Impossible
With HG, dehydration can be a major problem. Constant vomiting will quickly deplete your body’s essential fluids and minerals. Dehydration may cause headaches, nausea, dizziness and muscle cramps. It can also make you feel more tired.
Tips to stay hydrated:
- Even if you only have a teaspoon, take tiny sips every 5-10 minutes of electrolyte or water.
- Do not gulp large quantities as this may cause nausea.
- When drinking becomes difficult, freeze electrolyte rich ice blocks for sucking on.
- You can keep your mouth cool by sucking on ice to keep it moist.
Even small amounts can help you avoid hospital visits.
2. Eat Like Your Toddler
It can be difficult to eat when you are feeling sick, but nutrition is important for your health and that of your child.
Some mums swear that they eat small snacks frequently throughout the day just like toddlers. You won’t be able to throw up from large meals.
Snack ideas that are helpful:
- Crackers, toast or rice cakes
- Fruits like apple or banana slices can be eaten in small portions.
- Nuts and seeds (if tolerated).
- Mild cheese, yogurt or yogurt
Even if you don’t eat a perfectly balanced diet, your body still needs fuel.
3. You Must Be Honest and Clear with Your Partner and Family
Even simple movements, such as turning in bed or climbing the stairs, can trigger nausea.
It is important to communicate your needs clearly. Delegating household chores, errands or childcare duties is not a problem.
You can’t expect your family or friends to read your mind. Explain what you’re feeling, where you want space, or if you need assistance. Remember that this is only temporary.
4. If Your Kids are Old Enough, Get them Involved
Children can help you with simple tasks. Getting older children involved is beneficial for everyone.
Your kids can:
- Bring you water or snacks
- Pick up their toys or clean their room (even if the process is slow)
- They can choose their own clothing (who cares about mismatched clothes?
- Simple meal preparation or feeding pets?
This not only helps you, but teaches your children responsibility and empathy.
5. Accept Help Whenever it is Offered
It can be tempting when you feel overwhelmed to “do everything” yourself. Accepting help during HG is not only acceptable, but essential.
Do you have friends who offer to bring a meal or run errands for you, or even watch your children? Speak up. Are your grandparents willing to help? Allow them to help.
Even if your day is going well, HG can cause sudden changes in circumstances. You won’t feel alone when you need to take a break.
6. Consider Daycare or a Childsitter
Sending your young child to daycare or preschool, or hiring a nanny/babysitter you trust can make a huge difference.
It gives your child social stimulation and interaction, while giving you time to rest, hydrate or attend medical appointments.
This break is not only good for mums’ physical health, but it also helps them to reduce the stress they feel when they “don’t do enough.”
7. Pamper Yourself — You deserve it
Self-care is important when your body has been through so much.
Small acts of kindness can improve your mood and increase your resilience.
It’s okay to show yourself the compassion that you deserve. You are growing a person, and this is no small achievement.
8. Release Yourself From Guilt
Release the guilt if you find it difficult to keep your house clean, cook healthy meals or interact with your kids like you used too.
HG can be a very taxing experience, and right now your main job is to look after yourself and your child.
You can let your children watch more TV, order takeout or pile up the laundry.
You’re trying your best to cope with difficult circumstances.
9. Remember: This isn’t Forever
When HG continues day after day and you are tired and isolated, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and trapped.
Remember: The nausea and vomiting will stop. The light at the other end of the tunnel is bright. Soon, you will hold your child in your arms. All this effort will be worth it.
Hold on to your hope and remember that you will overcome any obstacle with your resilience and strength.
Conclusion
Hyperemesis Gravidarum is exhausting and can make you feel hopeless. You’re not the only one experiencing this. Thousands of women suffer from it, and support is available.
Contact your doctor as soon as you suspect you may have HG. You can get emotional support, help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
You will make it through your pregnancy with the help of compassion and care.
When you succeed, you will have a powerful tale of strength that you can share with others.
