Hyperemesis gravidarum
It’s common to feel sick or nauseous when you’re pregnant. Sometimes, you might even throw up. This is often called “morning sickness.”
Usually, morning sickness will go away around the end of the first trimester (12 weeks) and isn’t harmful to you or your baby.
For some moms, this sickness is severe and doesn’t go away after the early weeks of pregnancy. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is the term for the most severe type of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. When you have HG, extra help is needed to keep you and your baby safe.
How do I know if I have HG?
Some symptoms of HG could include:
- Nausea that doesn’t go away
- Vomiting 3 times or more in a day
- Weight loss of 5 to 20 pounds or more
- Confusion
- Low blood pressure
- Blood in the vomit
- Racing or pounding heart rate
- Any signs of dehydration that can include:
- Dry mouth
- Feeling very thirsty
- Small amounts of dark urine
- Feeling lightheaded
- Fainting
- Headaches
How do I know if I have more than morning sickness?
Use this table to compare how you’re feeling and what you’re experiencing during your pregnancy. If you have more questions, talk to your doctor or midwife.
|
Morning sickness |
Hyperemesis gravidarum |
|
You may lose a little weight, but often gain it back in the second trimester. |
You lose 5 to 20 pounds or more. |
|
There might be some days you need to take off work or school. For the most part, you can take care of yourself, and sometimes need help. |
Nausea and vomiting may make it so you can’t work or go to school and need help taking care of yourself. |
|
You have nausea and vomiting, but it doesn’t really get in the way of being able to eat and drink enough. You find things you can eat. |
Nausea and vomiting make it so you can’t eat or drink at all, or only very little. |
|
You start to feel better around the end of the first trimester (12 weeks). There might be times throughout the rest of your pregnancy that you feel queasy. |
You feel nauseous and your vomiting continues throughout your whole pregnancy. |
|
Nausea comes and goes. |
Nausea doesn’t go away. |
|
You find things you can eat and drink, even if they’re different from what you liked before pregnancy. You find things that help, like eating at certain times, resting, and avoiding certain foods. |
You haven’t found things you can eat and drink or things that help. |
|
You’re able to drink enough to keep yourself hydrated. |
You can’t drink and get dehydrated. You may throw up liquids, even water. |
What do I do if I think I have HG?
Talk to your doctor or midwife. Some women with HG might not be able to keep down any food or water. If this happens, they can help you get the energy and nutrients you and your baby need. They may help you get an IV if you’re too dehydrated. It can be dangerous to get too dehydrated.
They can also help you find ways to feel a little better.
I have HG and it’s taking a toll on my mental health. What should I do?
HG can be hard on your mental health. Know that you aren’t alone.
Talk to your doctor or midwife about how you’re feeling and what can be done to help. Surround yourself with supportive people and look into support groups with women who have also experienced HG. Visit the Utah Maternal Mental Health Referral Network to find mental health professionals who help women during and after pregnancy.
If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988.
I had HG during my last pregnancy. Will I have it with my future pregnancies?
Maybe. Studies have shown that you could have a higher chance of having HG with future pregnancies if you’ve had it before.
Talk to your doctor or midwife and loved ones about your concerns if you’re thinking of getting pregnant again. They can help you come up with a plan that includes mental wellness.
I don’t know if I have HG but I have morning sickness. What helps?
What helps can be different for everyone. Here are some things you can try:
- Eat small meals frequently to help you stay full throughout the day.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.
- Eat bland foods.
- Talk to your doctor or midwife about medications and supplements that could work for you.
My loved one has HG. How can I help them?
Understand that she isn’t “making it up.” Her sickness is real and it may be impossible for her to do everyday things. Here are some things you can do to help:
- Offer help with everyday needs like childcare, housework, cooking, errands, and transportation.
- Check-in on her frequently.
- Help her take medications and go to appointments.
- Help her get ready for her baby to come.
- Educate yourself on signs of depression, anxiety, and suicidality and know what to do if she shows these signs.
- Listen to what she has to say.
Resources
Hyperemesis Education and Research (HER) Foundation