What’s HG? (Hyperemesis Gravidarum)

I wanted to write this blog for two reasons, firstly to raise awareness and secondly to offer support for anyone going through this.

Let’s look at the facts first as let’s be honestly most people will have never heard of HG before…well apart from the fact that HRH Princess Kate suffered with it with all her babies.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that affects approximately 0.5-2% of pregnant women. While morning sickness is a common experience for many expecting mothers, HG goes beyond the typical discomfort and can have a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life.

The exact cause of HG is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be related to hormonal changes during pregnancy. Symptoms typically begin around 4-6 weeks gestation and may include persistent nausea, frequent vomiting, dehydration, and weight loss. In some cases, HG can lead to complications such as electrolyte imbalances and nutritional deficiencies.

Managing HG requires a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals, including obstetricians, dietitians, and mental health specialists. Treatment options may include dietary modifications, antiemetic medications, intravenous fluids, and in severe cases, hospitalization.

It is important for women experiencing HG to seek medical help early on to ensure appropriate management and support. Additionally, emotional support from loved ones and support groups can play a crucial role in coping with the challenges of HG.

In conclusion, Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a debilitating condition that affects a small percentage of pregnant women. Prompt medical intervention and support are crucial in managing the symptoms and ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the baby.

So, there’s 200 words on what it is, however it was a whole lot more for me. I fell ill at around 6 weeks pregnant and can say hand on heart that I never had one day that I didn’t feel sick. At first, I just thought I was being overly dramatic and to get on with it, my mum told me to man up! It wasn’t until I got to 9 weeks and collapse that I realised just how poorly I was. I was taken into hospital and was in over 3 months during the course of my pregnancy. When I wasn’t being admitted I was in the hospital day unit as needed constant IV fluids.

I had 4 different types of anti-sickness medics that I use to take ever 3 hours. In HG you have triggers that can also enhance the sickness, mine unfortunately was water! I mean what’s the chances, the one fundamental thing you need to survive, and I couldn’t go near it. I remember being in hospital and advising that I was going to have to lie on the floor as I could smell the boiled water on the sheets. Sorry I know I sound dramatic, but it really was the worse time of my life. I also asked the Doctor if I could be induced into a coma until the baby was born.

With HG You feel utterly helpless, you can’t sleep, eat, do anything but be sick and feel sick.

It’s completely debilitating, I couldn’t wash, brush teeth (basics in life) just imagine 9 months of this ☹

Unfortunately, the statistics are high for women terminating, I do understand why this is as I have been through it. It really does take all your physical and mental strength to get through.

I say mental because I had never felt so alone in my life, you feel like you are failing yourself and your baby, you can’t take the prenatal vitamins, you can’t eat any vegetables, you can’t go to any antenatal classes, nor could I even read a book on how to be a mum (change a nappy ha-ha!)

My pregnancy was also during covid, so there were no visitors allowed in hospital.

Onto the good stuff!

The moment Ellie was born, and the placenta was out (sorry to be so graphic!) even though it was an emergency c section I can honestly, it’s the best I had felt in 9 months, and I was starving! Trust me I have made up for it since 😉

Joking aside, I wouldn’t change a thing because I have my EB, Ellie is my whole life. Its true when they say the love you feel for your child is like no other.

Would I have any more? No, if I never had severe HG then yes, I would have. Some women do and I find it truly amazing, and I am in ore of those women.

I had never heard of HG until I fell pregnant, but I wished I had as there are things, I could have done to support myself more. If any one is suffering or needs any support, then please reach out. I ended up joining an online support group in the US which I did find comforting.

They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Whenever I catch a bug or feel under the weather I often think back to HG as I can’t imagine anything feeling as bad as that.