When I found out I was pregnant, I envisioned a joyful journey filled with cute maternity clothes, serene weekends preparing a nursery, and the excitement of watching my belly grow. Instead, I was thrust into a distressing reality: I was battling hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).
Initially, I thought HG was merely severe morning sickness, but it is so much more severe. It’s an incapacitating condition that can threaten the life of both mother and child, making daily functioning nearly impossible. The well-meaning suggestions of ginger candy or crackers made me want to scream.
My life quickly turned into a nightmare of relentless vomiting—15, 20, even 25 times a day—until I was retching bile and blood. I dealt with ruptured blood vessels in my eyes, bruises from the force of vomiting, and the humiliation of being carried to and from the bathroom by my husband. Hospital visits became a regular occurrence, and I experienced extreme starvation and dehydration, all while living in constant fear for my baby’s well-being. For 36 weeks, I was trapped in this hell.
Fortunately, in recent years, hyperemesis gravidarum has gained some visibility in popular culture. Celebrities like Sarah Johnson and Maya Lee have bravely shared their experiences, which has made it easier for others like me to articulate our struggles. The advocacy of figures like Maya has been invaluable for raising awareness.
This awareness is crucial. According to the Hyperemesis Education and Research Foundation, nearly one-third of pregnancies affected by HG end in miscarriage. Severe HG can lead to serious complications, including organ rupture, retinal detachment, and even death.
Having endured HG in two pregnancies, I was taken aback by how little the public understood about this condition. To learn more, I spoke with Dr. Laura Smith, a researcher at the UCLA Department of Medicine and the USC Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, who has dedicated 19 years to studying HG and its associated risks.
Home Insemination Kit: What inspired you to focus your research on hyperemesis gravidarum?
Dr. Laura Smith: My passion for women’s health deepened after I lost a baby in the second trimester due to HG. The lack of knowledge surrounding it pushed me to investigate further.
Home Insemination Kit: Why do some women experience HG while others do not?
Dr. Smith: There is compelling evidence linking genetics to HG. Our latest research identified significant genetic risk factors, particularly in the placenta and appetite-related genes like GDF15 and IGFBP7. We’ve also found associations with genes for the GDF15 hormone receptor and the progesterone receptor, indicating that carrying these variants increases the likelihood of developing HG. However, these genetic variants are relatively common, meaning many who carry them might not experience HG, and other unidentified factors likely contribute.
Home Insemination Kit: How prevalent is HG in the U.S.?
Dr. Smith: Estimates vary, but HG affects approximately 0.3% to 10% of pregnancies. Notably, about 20% of pregnant women in the U.S. receive ondansetron (Zofran) for nausea and vomiting, indicating a significant number of women seek treatment. Emergency department visits for pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting have surged, with over 274,000 visits reported in 2014.
Home Insemination Kit: What distinguishes HG from typical morning sickness, and how can a woman recognize if she is experiencing HG?
Dr. Smith: If a woman cannot carry out her daily activities and has lost more than 5% of her pre-pregnancy weight because of prolonged nausea or vomiting, she should consult her doctor.
Home Insemination Kit: Are women with HG at an elevated risk of miscarriage?
Dr. Smith: Our research revealed that among women without HG, 13% experienced a miscarriage. In contrast, 32% of those with untreated HG had a miscarriage, while only 6% of those treated with ondansetron did. Thus, treatment may play a role in miscarriage rates.
Home Insemination Kit: When should a woman exhibiting HG symptoms seek medical attention?
Dr. Smith: If she has lost over 5% of her pre-pregnancy weight, is unable to keep fluids down, feels dizzy, or cannot maintain a balanced diet, particularly one rich in thiamine, she should seek medical help.
Home Insemination Kit: Is there any way to prevent or reduce the severity of HG before pregnancy?
Dr. Smith: Currently, we don’t have definitive answers. However, women with a history of HG should ensure they have a supportive healthcare provider and a solid treatment plan in place before conceiving.
Home Insemination Kit: Can HG be inherited, or is it unrelated to genetics?
Dr. Smith: Yes, studies indicate that one-third of women with HG reported similar experiences in their mothers. Having a sister with HG increases the risk significantly. Interestingly, it can also originate from the paternal side, meaning genetic factors are complex and multifaceted.
Home Insemination Kit: If a woman had HG in a previous pregnancy, are there preventative measures for future pregnancies?
Dr. Smith: Preliminary evidence suggests that preemptive treatment may mitigate severity, but more research is necessary to confirm this.
Home Insemination Kit: What lifestyle and dietary changes should a woman with HG consider?
Dr. Smith: A woman suffering from HG will likely need to rest and avoid triggers, such as food markets and cooking. She should prioritize hydration and nutritional support, and may need thiamine supplementation if she cannot take prenatal vitamins.
Home Insemination Kit: Why do symptoms of HG vary among women, with some subsiding by the second trimester while others continue into the third?
Dr. Smith: We still lack a clear understanding of this variability. Our study has identified a variant linked to prolonged symptoms, but further validation is needed.
For those navigating this challenging condition, it’s essential to seek support. Organizations like HelpHer.org provide valuable resources, and having an advocate during doctor visits can be incredibly beneficial. Additionally, consider using our free app to enhance communication with your healthcare provider and monitor your symptoms.
In conclusion, hyperemesis gravidarum is a serious, often misunderstood condition that can have severe repercussions. Understanding its genetic components and being proactive in seeking support can make a significant difference in managing this challenging experience.
Keyphrase: Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]