These celeb mamas had Hyperemesis gravidarum and were refreshingly honest about it

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition that occurs in as many as 3% of pregnancies and results in more than 160,000 ER visits each year in the United States. While it is often described as an is an extreme form of morning sickness, it’s so much more than that.

Hyperemesis gravidarum, or HG, is seriously debilitating and often prevents moms-to-be from going about their daily lives. Those with HG understand what it’s like to feel nauseous and/or vomit basically around the clock. When people with HG end up dehydrated or malnourished, or in ketosis, they can end up in the hospital and facing complications, which isn’t how anyone wants to spend their pregnancy.

In recent years experts have been calling on medical providers to be more aware of HG and to have more compassion for those suffering from it and to take care not to trivialize or minimize what these mothers go through. This condition is hard to get through and while the physical symptoms are only cured by giving birth, 18% of moms who live through HG go on to experience post-traumatic stress symptoms after the pregnancy is over.

This is a rare condition, but some medical professionals believe cases may still be going unreported, which means some moms aren’t getting the help they (and their babies) need.

Recently more and more high-profile mothers have been talking about their experiences with HG, which is awesome because when women are aware of what HG is they may recognize that they are not simply having morning sickness and advocate for the help they need.

Here are five celebrity moms who have shared their stories of hyperemesis gravidarum:

Hyperemesis gravidarum is really hard, but these mamas got through it and so can you, mama. Take care of yourself, ask for help when you need it. If you’re struggling, check out the HER Foundation for information on how to advocate for yourself and find help in your area.

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