I received my diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) when I was just seven weeks into my pregnancy. At that point, I was throwing up 15 to 20 times a day, had lost 20 pounds, and was severely dehydrated and malnourished. Standing for even a minute felt impossible, and I had lost nearly all my strength. HG hit me like a freight train, leaving me terrified and confused about what was happening to my body.
At that time, I knew very little about HG but remembered hearing that a celebrity named Kate Middleton had suffered from it during her pregnancies. So, naturally, I turned to Google. My search revealed that HG is a debilitating and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by extreme nausea and vomiting, leading to rapid weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration. It affects about 0.5-2% of pregnant women.
Throughout my experience with HG, I often heard comments like, “That’s what Kate Middleton had, right?” or “Isn’t that the Princess disease?” (Cue the eye roll.) While I appreciate that her experience has raised awareness, it frustrates me because she made HG seem both glamorous and manageable—an utterly false representation of the reality that countless women endure.
I share my unfiltered story not to elicit sympathy but to shed light on the harsh truth. HG is utterly devastating. It robs you of your identity, your ability to work, and your independence. I found myself unable to shower, walk, drive, or even use the bathroom without assistance. HG stole my dreams of a big family and drained the joy from what should have been a joyful time. It turned my husband into my full-time caregiver, robbing both of us of the blissful moments we had anticipated.
HG transformed my once-warm home into a dark space cluttered with vomit bins. I detest HG for ruining my memories of various locations where I’ve been sick—be it the office, gym, or a restaurant. It forced me to use my favorite blankets as makeshift barriers against bruising when I was sick on the floor. Dinner with my husband, a cherished ritual, became impossible due to the overwhelming smells of food that trigger my nausea. I loathe the way HG has scorched my esophagus with constant stomach acid because there’s nothing left to throw up.
It has drained my energy to the point where climbing stairs feels monumental. Our guest bathroom now stores a toothbrush and toothpaste for those moments after I’ve been sick—just so I can clean up quickly. I despise the constant dread of every sip or bite I take, always wondering how it will feel coming back up. I can tell you the best foods to eat, not because they’re delicious, but because they’re easier to handle during vomiting.
HG has not only incapacitated me physically but has also taken a toll on my mental and emotional well-being. The anxiety it brings is suffocating, and I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been sick—it’s simply too overwhelming to keep track. I hate that, in my struggle for survival, I’ve barely thought about my baby. I feel guilty, wondering what kind of mother I am when I can’t even focus on my child due to my suffering.
I hate the stares I get from other women at my OBGYN’s office as I roll in with my IV pole. This is not how pregnant women should look. I watch others come in, seemingly thriving, and I can only think about how fortunate I am to have made it out of the house, even if it took several breaks to walk those 50 feet. The constant reassurance that “it will be worth it” feels hollow when you’re living a nightmare every day. It’s a well-known fact that 15% of women with HG choose to terminate at least one pregnancy. I completely understand why; I have considered it myself numerous times.
While HG has taken so much from me, it has also given me something invaluable: it has made me a mother. Through all the darkness, I’ve found moments of light. HG has taught me mindfulness in a way I never expected. When those fleeting moments of relief come, I’ve learned to cherish them and live in the present. I love that it has solidified the bond between my husband and I; we can face anything together after this. I’ve discovered a newfound strength within myself, proving I can conquer anything.
HG has also helped me appreciate small victories. Today, I climbed the stairs without pausing for breath—an incredible feat compared to where I was just months ago. I’m learning patience with my body, which changes by the hour and sometimes by the minute. I’ve had to relinquish control and allow my body to dictate what I can or cannot do each day. I now appreciate the simple joy of drinking clean water and the comfort of being kind to myself, even when things feel unbearable.
I’m fortunate to have a doctor who truly understands the toll HG takes, both physically and psychologically. This level of compassion is rare, as many medical professionals lack insight into the severe symptoms of HG. I’m grateful for my family, who has taken the time to learn about this condition so they can better support me. It brings me joy to hear my mom say “hyperemesis gravidarum” because with every conversation, we raise awareness about this rare condition.
I already feel immense pride for my future child. They are enduring so much in their early life, filled with resilience and strength. Keep fighting, little one; Mommy is right there with you, battling HG.
For all these reasons and more, I find myself oddly thankful for HG. Until I face another intense bout of sickness, when my frustrations will resurface, I will continue to embrace the lessons it has taught me.
If you’re grappling with hyperemesis gravidarum, please consider seeking support from resources like the Hyperemesis Education and Research (HER) Foundation.
For more on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on artificial insemination and consider visiting Make a Mom for insights on at-home insemination kits.
Summary:
Jenna Thompson shares her harrowing experience with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a severe pregnancy condition that caused extreme nausea and vomiting. She discusses the physical and emotional toll it took on her life, including feelings of isolation and anxiety. Despite the struggles, Jenna reflects on the lessons learned, the newfound appreciation for small victories, and the strengthened bond with her husband. She emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about HG and provides resources for those affected.
Keyphrase:
hyperemesis gravidarum experience
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