When I was pregnant, I didn’t experience any morning sickness. I have heard of some women who experience it with the one pregnancy but not the other. Some, like Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, however, suffer from severe morning sickness known as Hyperemesis Gravidarum.
What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum? It literally means “excessive vomiting in pregnancy”. Hyperemesis starts early, usually before week five of pregnancy.
Signs and symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum:
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Food aversions
- Weight loss of 5% or more of pre-pregnancy weight
- Decrease in urination
- Dehydration
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Fainting
- Jaundice
- Extreme fatigue
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Secondary anxiety/depression
In some cases it is so severe that the woman has to be hospitalized. Hospital treatment may include:
- Intravenous fluids (IV) – to restore hydration, electrolytes, vitamins, and nutrients
- Tube feeding:
- Nasogastric – restores nutrients through a tube passing through the nose and into the stomach
- Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy – restores nutrients through a tube passing through the abdomen and into the stomach; requires a surgical procedure
- Medications – metoclopramide, antihistamines, and antireflux medications*
Some women might require bed rest but not too much. My cousin’s wife needed bed rest for both of her pregnancies. Other treatments include herbs such as ginger and peppermint; homeopathic remedies prescribed by your doctor; hypnosis and Acupressure. The pressure point where you can reduce nausea is located at the middle of the inner wrist. It’s three finger lengths from the crease of the wrist between the two tendons. When you locate it, you press one wrist firmly at a time for three minutes. Sea bands can also be used and are available at the drugstore.
Before trying anything, always consult your doctor. For more information on hyperemesis gravidarum you check out HER (Hyperemesis Education & Research) Foundation.
Two things you ought to know: your baby isn’t at risk. William and Kate are parents of three beautiful, robust children. In a post, a woman suffering from HG, gained only 12 pounds by 41 weeks pregnant gave birth to a 7.5 boy which is average. She cautions mothers not to assume that because the Duchess of Cambridge suffered from HG during all three of her pregnancies, it means that you will every time you’re pregnant.
Studies vary, but most find that women have a good chance of experiencing HG in future pregnancies. Statistics suggest over 50% will have it with each pregnancy and those with more than one experience of HG have a greater risk of experiencing HG in future pregnancies. It also seems to occur in similar patterns and severity, though it is not always consistent. Those who have mothers, grandmothers, or sisters who have had HG will often have at least some nausea and vomiting during pregnancy – HER Foundation
Don’t let these studies discourage you, Moms. Hang in there.
Sources: American Pregnancy; Baby Center
