5 coping mechanisms for Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)

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5 Coping Mechanisms for Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)

Meta title: 5 Coping Mechanisms for Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) | Blog | Ian Chilcott

Meta description: Do you have Hyperemesis Gravidarum? Private gynaecologist Ian Chilcott explains what HG is, and how to cope. Find out more at ianchilcott.com.

What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)?

Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a very uncomfortable and tiresome medical condition which affects 1-3 in 100 UK mummies. Many describe HG as a fancy word for ‘excessive vomiting’, but there is far more to the condition than sickness alone. For sufferers of HG, life can be isolating; you will likely spend your maternity leave at home resting, or receiving treatment at your baby’s chosen birthplace, instead of making cherished memories as you had planned. It affects expectant mothers physically, but also mentally and emotionally. Private gynaecologist, Ian Chilcott, explains what Hyperemesis Gravidarum is and how you can learn to cope with it.

Signs that you may have Hyperemesis Gravidarum:

1. You feel nauseous and vomit several times a day
2. Your sickness lasts throughout the whole day
3. You have experienced excessive vomiting well into your second or third trimester
4. You are struggling to keep food in your tummy, and are losing weight because of it
5. You have symptoms of dehydration

How to cope with Hyperemesis Gravidarum

1. Spend time resting

Easier said than done, but many HG sufferers say they experience fewer symptoms when resting or sleeping.

2. Discover which foods ‘stay down’

Forget perfectly balanced nutrition for now- any food is better than none. HG is renowned for causing weight loss, so your body will thank you for the extra fats from those oven chips!

3. Network with other HG mummies

It may feel like it, but you are not alone. Talking to other expectant mothers with HG will allow you a space to vent, and to make sense of your symptoms. Meeting other mums-to-be is #1 of pregnancy care!

4. Keep hydrated

Dehydration is very common in HG sufferers, so if there is one thing you do today – pick up your water bottle and have a good slurp! If you are unable to keep drinks down, then always speak to your midwife as you might need to go into hospital for IV fluids.

5. Always attend your check-ups

It is so important to check in with your midwife or consultant regularly, if not for the health of you and your little one, for the opportunity to spend time with a friendly face and to ask questions.

Would you like advice about coping with Hyperemesis Gravidarum, or about another aspect of pregnancy care? Book a consultation with private gynaecologist London Mr Ian Chilcott (MBBS MRCOG) for confidential, one-to-one support.

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