Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) & The Expecting Mom - Part 1

What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

A couple of months ago I could not even spell this disorder but it’s quite a different scenario when someone close to you becomes so deeply affected by it. You quickly learn all you can about Hyperemesis Gravidarum aka excessive vomiting aka HG.

A quick google will tell you, at the very least, that HG is a rare pregnancy condition that affects 1 in 3 pregnant women and basically prevents women from keeping food or even liquid down. A quick social media scan will reveal what HG is not. The consensus on social media is that HG is NOT a form of Morning Sickness and that it’s actually quite different in the way it disables expecting moms. 

I want to lend my voice in sharing about some of the effects, survival tips and precautionary measures that I have learned about from doing my own non-scholarly HG research. I also want to share, in follow up posts, some ideas of how family members can support an Expecting Mom battling HG. My hope is that this can create more space for HG Expecting Moms; Survivors and Support Family Members to share their experiences, tips and ideas for dealing with HG.

I first heard about Hyperemesis not from the news and Kate Middleton or Amy Schumer but from a YouTube family called The McClures. It was a video where the mom, Ami, was pregnant with her third child and always seemed to be MIA, locked away in a dark room. Even though she explained what she had and some of her symptoms, my mind still registered it as some weird ‘extreme morning sickness’ that only other people get. I had absolutely no context. They say it’s rare but not until it enters your circle do you realize it’s rare but happens a lot and often goes undiagnosed. 

Why HG flies under the radar...

An HG pregnancy is traumatic and unless deliberately documented, a survivor may not be able to adequately paint a clear picture for non sufferers. As a result, it ends up mostly being a ‘who feels it knows it’ type of disorder. 

Also, many HG sufferers may get medicines/treatment but never get a diagnosis or a name to put to what they are experiencing. Family members who had to lend support may also eventually forget how traumatic HG can be and especially when there is no name or label for that experience. The birth of a bouncing new baby also helps to erase the memory of some of the trauma. 

I believe it’s so important for Expecting Moms suffering from HG to receive a proper diagnosis; not only to get the right treatment plan but also to have a way to properly communicate what they are going through to family and friends so they can receive all the support they need. 

What does HG look like?

1. Excessive vomiting for more than 5 times per day.
2. Inability to keep even water or ice down
3. Extreme nausea 
4. Constant spitting
5. Strong aversions to food and food smells
6. Extreme dehydration 
7. Extreme Thirst 
8. Fire Like Feeling In Belly 
9. Strong headaches 
10. Sensitivity to light and sound 
11. Physical pain from heaving to vomit 
12. Nose bleeds from agressive vomiting 
13. Vomiting Blood 
14. Dark urine 
15. Little to no urine 
16. Extreme fatigue 

And the list goes on...

So just how can family and friends support an HG mom experiencing these strong debilitating symptoms? 

Comment below and I will include your suggestions in Part 2 of our HG awareness series. 💜

Q-tips Cute Tips

My number one use for a Q-tip is to dry between my baby's cute little toes after a bath! Q-tips are especially useful when they are newborns and their toes are so tiny that it's difficult to dry inbetween their toes with thick towels and rags.

I also use Q-tips for other purposes such as cleaning my baby's outer ear (note that a Q-tip should never be used to remove wax from baby's inner ear as this can have damaging effects.), applying any topical ointments, applying diaper rash cream and the list goes on.

Retailing under $4 it certainly is a good buy for baby and definitely a must have item for baby's on the go first aid and grooming kit!

What is your number one use for a Q-tip?

Safety First Comfort Pacifier

A little device I'd recommend for pacifier loving babies (or even just those who will take a pacifier) is the @safety_1st comfort check pacifier! The bonus pack also comes with a pacifier medicine dispenser. This combo has given me the confidence I needed when baby had to get the first set of immunization shots. I simply threw it in the diaper bag and started fever checking and continued at home for the 2 weeks following. Luckily, baby didn't get a fever this round, so I didn't have to use the medicine dispenser. I'm glad I have these two handy devices to face future rounds of baby immunization. It also is the best kind of budget thermometer for vacation and travel. As baby's safety comes first, this is definitely a top 10 baby must have in my books. 

What’s your go to thermometer while on the go with baby? 

Infantino Cuddle Up Ergonomic Hoodie Carrier

An infant carrier is a great newborn baby must-have option for new moms with more than one child and for mamas navigating city/suburban life! There are so many good ones on the market but this post is all about the @Infantinobaby Cuddle Up Ergonomic Hoodie Carrier. 

The Infantino Cuddle Up Ergonomic Hoodie Carrier is great because:

• It is beautifully designed. It differs from other carriers on the market as it has a very cute removable hoodie feature with vibrant colours.
• The adjustable straps really gives a comfortable ergonomic fit for parents. 
• It’s helpful for having baby close & comforted while still being hands free. If baby is fussy or clingy you can put them in the carrier and get major chores done around the house and on the go. 
• It’s good value for money as it can be passed down or on to multiple babies with little to no wear and tear. 
• It makes for a great baby shower gift. II received this as a baby shower gift for my first born and I’ve since gifted this to other new and expecting moms. It’s a very practical but cute gift that’s sure to come in handy. 

What infant carrier are you planning to get (or do you have) for your little one? What do you like about it? Comment below!