What is it like to live with hyperemesis gravidarum?
It’s not easy living with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a condition that causes severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. For many women, HG is a debilitating condition that can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and even hospitalization. Despite its prevalence (it affects up to 3% of pregnancies), there is still a lot of mystery surrounding HG. Here’s what it’s really like to live with this condition.
The first thing to know about HG is that it is not your typical pregnancy nausea. ” Morning sickness ” is a misnomer for HG, as the nausea and vomiting can occur at any time, day or night. For some women, HG starts as early as the first week of pregnancy and can last throughout the entire pregnancy. For others, HG may come and go throughout pregnancy or may only occur in certain trimesters.
HG is often accompanied by other symptoms like food aversions, fatigue, lightheadedness, and dizziness. The thought or smell of food can trigger nausea and vomiting. As a result, many women with HG lose their appetite and lose weight. Some women may also experience vomiting so frequently that they develop abdominal pain and/or rupture their esophagus.
Living with HG can be extremely challenging. The constant nausea and vomiting can make it difficult to work, take care of other children, or even take care of yourself. Many women with HG are unable to hold down a job or must take a leave of absence from work. Some women are forced to quit their jobs altogether.
Childcare can also be a challenge for women with HG. It can be difficult to take care of other children when you can barely take care of yourself. Some women with HG find it necessary to hire a nanny or put their children in daycare so that they can get the rest they need.
The physical and emotional toll of HG can be exhausting. The constant vomiting can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can cause weakness, fatigue, and lightheadedness. HG can also cause malnutrition if women are unable to eat enough to get the nutrients they need. The emotional toll of HG can be just as tough, as the constant nausea and vomiting can take a toll on your mental health.
If you are living with HG, it is important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and treatment options. In some cases, HG can be managed with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. In other cases, HG may require prescription medication or hospitalization. Regardless of the severity of your HG, there is help available to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life..Official source
How common is hyperemesis gravidarum?
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a pregnancy complication characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and electrolyte disturbance. HG affects 0.5-2% of pregnant women, and can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and weight loss. While the cause of HG is unknown, it is believed to be a combination of hormonal and psychological factors. HG typically resolves itself after pregnancy, but may recur in subsequent pregnancies. Treatment for HG typically includes IV fluids and antiemetics. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. HG can be a debilitating condition, but with proper treatment, most women are able to have a healthy pregnancy.
Visit pregnancysicknesssuport.org.uk to learn more about hyperemesis gravidarum cks. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.