Pregnancy's Dark Side: Battling HG's Extreme Nausea

Approximately 80% of pregnant women experience morning sickness, but for some, it escalates to hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a condition marked by extreme nausea that severely disrupts daily life. This debilitating illness can leave expectant mothers unable to retain even basic hydration, forcing them to rely on sips of cold drinks or ice lollies to combat dehydration.

The experience of HG is often profoundly isolating. Unlike the more common, often dismissible, morning sickness, HG’s severity makes it difficult for others to comprehend. Sufferers may try nibbling on dry foods or sleeping in the hope of keeping anything down, underscoring the daily battle against overwhelming nausea.

This severe form of pregnancy sickness contrasts sharply with advice found in books and social media, which often focus on nutrition for the baby. For those with HG, the immediate challenge is survival and managing the relentless nausea. The emotional toll of such an extreme pregnancy complication can be immense, leaving women feeling alone in their struggle.