Pregnancy is generally thought to be a wonderful experience for a woman; however unfortunately it is not always the case. Complications such as Hyperemsis Gravidarum can temper the pregnancy buzz and can leave the mother feeling extremely unwell. Often misunderstood or confused with morning sickness – something we’ve all heard of; Hyperemesis Gravidarum is an extreme form of morning sickness that is thought to affect 1% of women who experience pregnancy sickness.
Hyperemesis Gravidarium is a serious illness that results in severe nausea and vomiting 24 hours a day and generally lasts 20+ weeks, although it can even occasionally last the entire length of a pregnancy. Pregnant women suffering from HG can be sick multiple times a day and will experience a range of symptoms from feeling generally unwell to dizziness, low blood pressure, headaches, a heightened sense of smell, weight loss and ketosis (the build-up of acidic chemicals in blood and urine).
It is an episodic condition, meaning that there will be periods of feeling well amongst the sickness. Rest and relaxation are definitely key to coping with this condition so don’t feel guilty about asking for help or being unable to keep up with daily demands – doing too much can bring on a relapse so this is most definitely the time to give yourself a break!
Medical Treatment
If you are diagnosed as having HG, your doctor may recommend a combination of anti-sickness drugs, vitamins (B6 & B12) and steroids to treat the condition. Different medications work differently for everyone so you may need to try different sorts of medication to find something that works well for you.
If however, your sickness can’t be controlled, you may need to be admitted to hospital. It is very easy to become dehydrated very quickly with this condition so do seek medical advice if you are unable to keep any food or fluids down.
Natural Remedies
Many people turn to natural remedies when pregnant due to the limited medical options, but whilst
Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Aromatherapy and Reflexology are very useful in managing HG symptoms, they generally won’t cure you completely.
Due to the extreme form of this sickness it can prove to be extremely draining for the sufferer, both physically and emotionally. Natural remedies can aid with relaxation and support the mother in coping with stress and anxieties that arise from this debilitating condition.
Natural remedies are safe to take at any stage of your pregnancy and can be a useful coping strategy in helping you manage HG symptoms. However, depending on the severity of your illness you may need medical intervention or be admitted to hospital if you become dehydrated.