No amount of ginger can cure you.......

 

Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is not, I repeat NOT, morning sickness.  It is not a "normal part of pregnancy".  It is devestating and potentially life-threatening (for both mother and baby) nausea and/or vomiting that occurs only during pregnancy.  How do you know if you have HG or normal morning sickness?  The HER Foundation classifies HG as:

 

- loss of greater than 5% of pre-pregnancy body weight (usually over 10%)

- dehydration and production of ketones

- nutritional deficiencies

- metabolic imbalances

- difficulty with daily activities

 

MORNING SICKNESS:

- You lose little if any weight.

- Nausea and vomiting do not interfere with your ability to eat or drink enough each day.

- You vomit infrequently and the nausea is episodic but not severe. It may cause discomfort and misery.

- Dietary and/or lifestyle changes are enough to help you feel better most of the time.

- You typically will improve gradually after the first trimester, but may be a little queasy at times during the remainder of your pregnancy.

- You will be able to work most days and care for your family.

 

HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM:

- You lose 5-20 pounds or more. (> 5% of prepregnancy weight)

- Nausea and vomiting cause you to eat very little and get dehydrated from vomiting if not treated.

- You vomit often and may vomit bile or blood if not treated. Nausea is usually moderate to severe and constant.

- You will probably require fluid hydration through a vein and/or medications to stop the vomiting.

- You usually feel somewhat better by mid-pregnancy, but you may continue to be nauseous and/or vomit until late pregnancy.

- You will likely be unable to work for weeks or months, and may need help caring for yourself.

 

The research on hyperemesis gravidarum (or HG) is limited compared to some diseases; however, there is some information we do know.

 

There are no known causes of hyperemesis gravidarum, only theories, but it is likely that HG is caused by a number of interrelated factors that vary by woman and by pregnancy. Treatment thus differs because women will respond differently to medications and other interventions. What is known, however, is that it is not all in your head. Sadly, some health professionals are not aware of the research proving physiological changes are responsible. It is truly a disorder of pregnancy that requires serious attention to avoid a worsening of symptoms and complications.

 

When HG is treated early and effectively, you may still be somewhat miserable, but you and your baby will likely not suffer any serious complications. You will likely experience fatigue, depression, anxiety, and stomach or throat pain. Other complications become possible if your symptoms are severe or prolonged. Adequate care and social support decrease the risk of more debilitating complications.

 

Most mothers with HG have normal babies and recover within months of delivery. However, those who are given inadequate care, becoming malnourished and chronically dehydrated, are at greater risk for problems with mom and/or baby. Research shows that women who lose more than 10% of their body weight and/or who are unable to gain weight for two or more consecutive trimesters are most likely to have complications. Although medications present a risk, dehydration and starvation also can harm the baby. Early intervention is the best strategy to avoid complications for both mother and baby.

 

Please visit www.helpher.org for more information about HG.