So this is my 5th pregnancy and every single one I’ve had HG. Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a severe form of “morning sickness” where the vomiting is excessive and may cause dehydration and chemical imbalances of the body. It’s cause isn’t 100% understood and there’s not a “cure” for it, but there are ways to manage it until it passes (usually after the 16th week), or in some cases, women will suffer until delivery. I unfortunate had it throughout my entire pregnancies (two full term, two babies, this will be my 3rd baby). But here are some tips on how to survive while going through it, because it is honestly the worst thing ever.

•Don’t immediately get out of bed in the morning. Take 10-15 mins to brace yourself and fully wake up, as the nausea is often worse in the morning. You could also choose to eat some crackers (I like honey graham crackers) to eat before getting up.

•Even if your appetite doesn’t allow it, try to eat small meals frequently rather than 3 large ones. I find eating jello, apple sauce, fruit, soups and broths, or smoothies are the best options for days the nausea seems to be bad. They’re also easier to throw up, as food chunks don’t get stuck in your throat. Avoid greasy or spicy foods.

•Stay hydrated. Being dehydrated makes the nausea worse. Sports drinks are good, but I find ice cold water with a straw the best to drink. Straws help tremendously and so does the cold. I find drinking drinks with flavor leaves a nasty film of aftertaste in my mouth that makes the nausea worse.

•Find a combination of medicines that work for you. Diclegis is a newer option many doctors are comfortable with prescribing in the first trimester. Or OTC vitamin B6 and Unisom is the same. Zofran, Phenergan, Reglan are also options. My combo is a Zofran in the morning, a Zofran after lunch and a Phenergan before bed. Suppositories may help on days you can’t keep anything down- including medicine.

•Call your doctor if things get hard. Don’t be afraid to tell him/her how you feel, and ask for new ways to manage your condition.

•Don’t be afraid to go to the ER. If you go more than 24 hours without keeping solid food down, or more than 6 hours without being able to keep clear liquid down, go to the ER or call your doctor and ask for advice. Often times, you’ll need to go just to get IV meds and IV fluids. I’ve had to do it at least 10 times each pregnancy. There’s nothing wrong with taking advantage of modern medicine.

•Everyone is different. What works for some may not work for others. You may be on bed rest, you may be sent home with a pic line and a feeding tube. You may have symptoms ease in the second trimester, and you may be vomiting during labor. But whatever your case is, STAY STRONG and find support. It’s easy to feel alone when going through something like this, but you’re not and there are plenty of women who go through this.

Hope this helps someone! And if you have any questions, feel free to ask and I will answer them to the best of my ability!