5 tips on how to manage hyperemesis gravidarum

Here is some help if you’re suffering with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) or severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP).

5 ways to manage hyperemesis gravidarum

1. Know when it’s not morning sickness

For me this came at the moment I started vomiting blood and acid and was being sick around 13 times a day. If it’s your first pregnancy and you haven’t had morning sickness before, it’s all too easy to kid yourself that you’re being weak. If your sickness is unmanageable—you can’t walk far, you can’t work, you can’t leave the house—you need extra help.

Don’t let the “you’re not ill, you’re pregnant” brigade into your head. If you felt this ill without being pregnant, you’d doubtless be at the doctor ASAP. You would also take time off work. Do this, even if it means months away. It is hard to disguise the first trimester of pregnancy when you’re suffering HG. If it’s easier to tell people what’s happening, tell them.

2. Push for the right treatment

Healthcare professionals can be dismissive of HG and many sufferers report unhelpful treatment and delays getting the correct drugs. If your drugs aren’t working, ask about your options until you find what’s right for you.

Mild cases of HG like mine meant two hospital admissions, several bags of fluids each time, and taking an antiemetic for five months of my eight-month pregnancy. Severe cases of HG mean months in hospital on a drip of antiemetics used for chemotherapy patients. There isn’t a one size fits all fix.

3. Take care of your mental health and find the right support network

You will go through weeks, maybe months, where leaving the bathroom seems Herculean. HG is incredibly isolating. Ask friends to come to you but not mind if you flake. You may tell yourself you’re becoming a rubbish partner.

Remind yourself over and over that this can only last nine months and that it’s not your fault or choice.

Don’t feel guilty for leaning on your partner. You will need flexibility and understanding at work. If your manager can’t or won’t offer that, speak to Human Resources about your options for long-term sick leave.

Go online and find HG and NVP forums. This is your village. They, like you, are puking around the clock and are here to hold your virtual hand. Some of these women are now my closest mum friends. There are also HG veterans on the groups with helpful advice.

Be aware the mental weight of HG won’t disappear with the baby’s birth. Your feelings on everything from food to your family may have changed post-pregnancy. Tell your healthcare providers how you’re feeling and if you need counseling or medication.

4. Have your purse HG ready

If you feel able to leave the house you will need:

• Your anti-emetics
• A lot of gel lined sick bags (in addition to vomiting, you’re going to drool like a bloodhound)
• Mouthwash or mints
• Baby wipes
• A clean scent that doesn’t make you nauseous
• Vicks’ VapoRub to mask the smell of smokers
• A change of clothes
• Cold facial spray
• Whatever snacks you can face (which in my case was Rice Krispie Squares)

Related: How to cope with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), from a mama who’s going through it

5. Enjoy your first post-baby meal

The first bite of toast that goes down and doesn’t threaten to reappear immediately is… heaven.

A version of this story was originally published on Nov. 19, 2018. It has been updated.