Morning (Noon, and Night) Sickness

Morning sickness.  You've heard of it.  You even know that it can hit at any time of day.  But what happens when it lasts all. day. long?

For most pregnant folks, nausea and vomiting are par for the course during pregnancy. But when that nausea and vomiting are keeping you from participating in your daily life, you may be experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Celebrities from Amber Rose to Duchess Kate have all had a brush with hyperemesis gravidarum and more folks are speaking out about this condition. You might be thinking, sick is sick, right? Here's how to know if your morning sickness may be something more.

Typical Morning Sickness

• Nausea that is sometimes accompanied by vomiting

• Vomiting that allows you to keep some food down

• Nausea subsides around the 12 week mark

Hyperemisis Gravidarum

• Nausea that doesn't subside

• Severe vomiting (several times per day)

• Unable to keep and food or liquid down

• Dehydration

• Dizziness

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it's important to reach out to your provider to discuss ways to treat HG.  If your hyperemesis gravidarum has not gotten too severe, your doctor may be able to recommend options such as acupressure, herbs (ginger or peppermint), or bedrest.  If you are losing too much weight, suffering from extreme dehydration, or low blood pressure, your provider may suggest hospitalization.  A hospital stay may include IV fluids, medication, or tube feeding.

While HG may be a difficult condition to deal with, with proper treatment you can still have a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery.