Hyperemesis Gravidarum affects 1% of women with pregnancy sickness and causes severe nausea and vomiting. To find out more about this condition, we spoke to Pinar from @beautywithpinar to talk about her experience with Hyperemesis Gravidarum during both of her pregnancies.
Keep scrolling to learn more about Hyperemesis Gravidarum, how it affected Pinar’s mental and physical health and the advice she has for fellow Mamas who are dealing with this debilitating condition…
1. Firstly, can you introduce yourself to our Mamahood?
I’m 32 and a mum to two kids. My daughter is 8 and my son is 5 and I’m tired all of the time haha!
2. You suffered with Hyperemesis Gravidarum during both of your pregnancies, can you tell us a bit about the condition?
Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a debilitating condition of severe sickness and nausea that weakens the body, and causes dehydration and weight-loss during pregnancy. It is very different to morning sickness.
3. How did Hyperemesis Gravidarum affect you?
If I’m 100% honest, I still haven’t recovered from the traumatising experience. I had HG with both of my pregnancies, I was admitted to hospital multiple times for IV and treatment. I was sick for the whole pregnancy (both times), for the first 6 months I couldn’t get out of bed. I was off work during this time and felt like my body didn’t belong to me anymore. If I wasn’t being sick, I felt nauseas and exhausted.
4. Were there any treatments available to you during your pregnancies?
Unfortunately, during both pregnancies, I didn’t come across any GP or Midwife that was empathetic to my condition and was just prescribed pregnancy safe anti-sickness tablets and told to rest.
5. What was the worst part of having Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
The lack of control I had over my health and body. Nothing really gave me respite and this was physically and mentally draining. Nothing helped, not ginger, not eating little and often, even the medication didn’t really do much to prevent the sickness and the feeling of wanting to vomit all of the time. This was very hard for me, especially the second time with a toddler running around.
6. It sounds like you had a very difficult time, how did this affect you emotionally?
It was a tough time for me and I felt depressed and exhausted. I was so excited that I was going to have a baby and by 7 weeks when HG kicked in, I didn’t feel the happiness or have the stereotypical feeling of feeling fabulous with that pregnancy glow. I didn’t have this with either of my pregnancies. My body was traumatised from the experience and I’m still dealing with the aftermath of it now.
7. Apart from seeking medical advice, were there any coping methods that helped you when suffering with this severe form of morning sickness?
Living with HG for 9 months was hard, it was almost an act of daily survival. I took each day as it came. Alongside lots of rest and medication, I found keeping my mind occupied helped.
I read lots of books, I watched a lot of movies and I actually found that chewing gum helped, although now I can’t even put one in my mouth without that nausea feeling coming back. Cuppa Soup helped me through the tough times when I couldn’t stomach food at all.
8. What tips do you have for Mamas-to-be who are also dealing with this condition?
Firstly, I would say, you are doing amazing and you will get through this. Talk to someone, whether it’s your partner, family or friends. You don’t have to do this on your own. Listen to your body, don’t fight it and definitely preoccupy your mind with things that bring you joy.
Take each day as it comes and don’t give up. Pregnancy Sickness Support were fabulous too. I found them on Facebook the second time, and it was just so comforting to know that I wasn’t the only woman dealing with HG.
NOTE: If you have Hyperemesis Gravidarum and your symptoms are severe and concerning, its important to contact your doctor for advice and support. Remember Mama, take it easy and try to take care of yourself as best as you can throughout the 9 month str-e-tch!
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