Coping with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG): A Practical Guide for Pregnancy

Hyperemesis gravidarum symptoms while pregnant has a profound impact on mental health and overall emotional and physical well being.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum (often called HG) is a potentially life-threatening pregnancy disease that can cause weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and weakness due to severe nausea and/or vomiting. HG is nausea and vomiting beyond what most experience. It can also often lead to hospitalization to restore lost fluids and nutrition for those impacted.

Take Care of Yourself

While nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) can usually be treated with saltines, ginger, and/or some mild medications– HG is much more severe and these methods are not often effective. Pregnant people with HG may experience more anxiety or depression due to the symptoms they are experiencing. Inability to enjoy pregnancy, and associated grief and loss over not getting the “pregnancy experience” others may get to have is common. 

Feeling isolated and disconnected from others due to debilitating symptoms, having to be on bed rest, or needing to take time off of work can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.

What helps?

Finding care providers who have knowledge of how to treat HG

This is imperative - many providers are not well versed in the proper treatment and may not review and talk through treatment options to the extent needed. They may not know the difference between NVP and HG, and therefore may not take symptoms seriously or minimize symptoms that are reported. 

Finding an OBGYN who has knowledge of the proper treatment regimens and options for HG can be a game changer–especially if that provider can also validate and listen to your experiences with managing symptoms and who can understand the challenges of being pregnant with HG.

Strong self advocacy

Self Advocacy is key so that you can get the care you deserve and need! You can find provider recommendations from others who have experienced HG on the HER foundation website https://www.hyperemesis.org/

Lean into community

Utilize your support network and community. It’s okay to ask for help! HG means you may need a community of friends and/or family around you to assist with things like cleaning your house, helping with laundry, cooking meals for other family members, or childcare for other children you may have. Give yourself permission to ask for help from your community as this can often lighten the load so you focus on managing your symptoms. 

Consider being more direct in asking for the help you need. For instance, asking a friend to coordinate a meal train, or letting 2-3 family members or friends rotate in to help with laundry. If you have a partner, consider making a plan with them for how they can support you during your pregnancy.

Support Groups

Consider joining an online support group of others who are battling the illness. It’s a helpful reminder that you are not alone when you can connect to others with the shared experience of HG. The HER foundation sponsors several online support groups via social media platforms that can help you connect with others and reduce feelings of isolation.

Self Compassion 

Self Compassion means showing yourself kindness even in those tough moments. Self compassion while dealing with hyperemesis gravidarum may mean recognizing small wins (even an “I made it through the week” after a tough week of symptoms) as well as being gentle with yourself on the difficult days. 

Positive affirmations like “I’m doing the best I can in this moment” can be a good reminder when symptoms seem like too much to handle.

Connecting to therapy

Besides proper medical treatment, connecting to a mental health care provider can help. Engaging in therapy means having a place to feel validated and heard as you navigate the pregnancy. Having a space to share freely about the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with hyperemesis gravidarum can be something that helps get you through it. 

From one survivor to another

A reminder to those battling HG symptoms - you are not alone. It’s okay to ask for help from others and to advocate for yourself to get the care you deserve. 

You are so much stronger and braver than you may think.

To learn more about how therapy for pregnancy can support you with Hyperemesis Gravidarum, reach out to us to book a consultation.

-Lindsay Eidman LICSW, RPT-S

Lindsay is a therapist with Bluestone Counseling Group and a two time survivor of HG