Article

Beyond morning sickness: hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy

Dr. Jacqueline Kates
July 2, 2024
Beyond morning sickness: hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, but so, too, is a lesser-known recognition day: HGAwareness Day on May 15. While we honor the women who gave us life, cared for and nurtured us, it’s also important to acknowledge that for many, pregnancy is not without its risks and challenges, such as morning sickness and its more serious cousin, hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).

Morning sickness

Morning sickness, typically consisting of nausea and vomiting, is a common occurrence in pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. However, up to three percent of pregnant women experience more severe symptoms called hyperemesis gravidarum.

Morning sickness is a catch-all term referring primarily to the nausea and vomiting many women experience while pregnant. It’s a bit of a misnomer because it affects all women differently and at different times of day, not just in the morning. Some women may vomit once a day and feel better right afterward; others may feel nauseated throughout the day, but never get sick.

HG is more serious—usually consisting of frequent vomiting accompanied by weight loss. It can make it extremely difficult to go about daily activities. In addition, the poor nutrition and dehydration can impact both the woman and the developing fetus.

HG treatment

We’re not sure what triggers HG in some women, so we can’t prevent it. That said, women who have it once are at increased risk of experiencing it again during future pregnancies. We have several treatment options, ranging from dietary changes and complimentary therapies to vitamin supplements and medications. In the most severe cases, women may need to be hospitalized for treatment.”

Depending on the severity of the symptoms, treatment for HG may include:

  • eating smaller and more frequent snacks;
  • drinking electrolyte-replacement beverages;
  • avoiding dietary and environmental triggers;
  • using supplements such as ginger;
  • taking a combination of vitamins, such as B6 with pyridoxine;
  • taking medications to reduce vomiting and acid reflux; and
  • receiving fluids with hydration or IV medications.

In rare cases, it may be necessary to use other methods to help with nutrition.

Left untreated, hyperemesis gravidarum can cause complications such as those related to malnutrition, in addition to other rare conditions related to repetitive vomiting that may affect multiple organ systems. HG can also be related to increased rate of preterm birth and infant low birth weight.

Talk to your provider about any symptoms you experience during pregnancy. Whether you have traditional morning sickness or more significant symptoms, we can offer advice, guidance and treatment to help you feel better. Symptoms are almost always temporary, but there is no reason for you to suffer unnecessarily or alone.

Related posts

Looking for more women's health insights?

Take It Slow: Recovering from a C-Section
Take It Slow: Recovering from a C-Section

Everyone’s childbirth experience is different, but they all require some level of recovery. If you are recovering from a C-section, also known as a Cesarean section, you’ll need to be especially patient as your body heals postpartum.

Read More
Icon
Choosing Your Birth Control Plan
Choosing Your Birth Control Plan

With so many birth control options available, it can feel intimidating to choose which method is best for you. It’s a very personal, individual choice—there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Before choosing your birth control plan, you’ll want to take several factors into consideration, including safety, efficacy, ease of use, side effects, convenience and cost. Let’s take a look at a few of the available options and talk through some pros and cons.

Read More
Icon
Self-Check to Save Lives: Early Detection of Breast Cancer Matters
Self-Check to Save Lives: Early Detection of Breast Cancer Matters

If a problem can’t be seen, it can’t be solved. The earlier a health condition is detected, the sooner steps can be taken to treat it. And though facing fears around diseases can be challenging, early detection of breast cancer, for example, can mean a 99% five-year survival rate, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Read More
Icon