Hyperemesis Gravidarum inflicts fewer than 200k cases in the US per year and there is almost no information available on the pathology or risk factors. HG typically strikes between the 4th and 6th week of pregnancy. Sometimes resolves mid second trimester, but often comes back with a vengeance in the third. Characterized by intense, acute vomiting different to that of normal morning sickness. Those diagnosed with HG can vomit dozens of times per day leading to dehydration, malnutrition, and severe weight loss. Symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum include intense, persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy; Salivating more than normal; Weight loss (sometimes more than 5%); S dark urine, dry skin, weakness, lightheadedness or fainting (signs of dehydration); Constipation; Inability to take in adequate amounts of fluid or nutrition; inability to participate in daily functional activities; labile blood pressure (high or low – or both). HG can wreak havoc on the mother’s body, but also puts the baby(s) at risk for spontaneous miscarriage.

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Treatment options include the following and are often a combination thereof:

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Rest/bedrest

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Thiamine, Pyridoxine

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Ginger

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Medications (Zofran, diclegis, bonjesta, IV steroids for examples)

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IV fluids and/or hospitalizations

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Tube feeding

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If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, talk with your doctor about the possibility of Hyperemesis Gravidarum. The links below provide additional information on this awful condition, as well as the support group that I was lucky enough to find during my journey. Please feel free to reach out to me directly. I went through this not once, but twice and am happy to offer my helping hand or just simply be a sounding board.

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https://www.facebook.com/groups/Hyperemesisgravidarum/ : fb support group

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https://helpher.org/ : Hyperemesis Education and Research Foundation: Has support group information, research groups, information and tips, clinical professionals