Do you have Hyperemesis (HG)?
When you are sick, it's hard to decide if you need help, how sick you are, and what is really going on. Find resources and tools that give you HG information specific to your experience. We start with warning signs of HG suggesting you should call your doctor, and alternative medication options if you are unable to swallow your medications and keep them down.
What Do I Do Next?
Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes.
Warning! Call your health provider if you experience these:
- Fainting/dizziness
- Blood in your vomit
- Very little urine all-day
- Severe pain in the abdomen or head
- Weight changes over 3 lbs/1.5 kg in 1 week
Or you have a change in your ability to:
Walk Talk
See Think
Breathe Cope
Medication Options:
Did you know you don't always have to swallow a pill? If you can't keep your medication down, tell your provider and ask about trying one of the following options instead.
What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)?
HG is hyperemesis gravidarum: a potentially life-threatening pregnancy disease that may cause weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and debility due to severe nausea and vomiting, and may cause long-term health issues for mom and baby.
Comparison of Morning Sickness and HG
| Area Impacted: | Hyperemesis Gravidarum: | Morning Sickness: |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | Often are unable to work for weeks or months and may lose their job or be forced to resign. | May lose up to a month of employment, work part-time and/or use sick time. Job performance may be reduced. |
| Daily Activities | May be unable to perform even simple household chores or care for themselves (shower, drive, etc.) when symptoms are severe. | Can perform most necessary responsibilities at some point during the day or week when symptoms are less intense. |
| Energy Level | Fatigue may be severe for weeks or months. Bed rest is often a necessity. Prolonged fatigue is very common. | Fatigue is mild to moderate and decreases workload. Rest is needed to alleviate symptoms. |
| Relationships & Socialization | Relationships are often greatly strained and may dissolve. Isolation is common and may lead to depression. Abuse and neglect of the mother may occur. | Relationships may be stressed but social functioning is only temporarily reduced. |
| Finances | Financial loss due to medical care, loss of income, and additional paid services (child care) can be devastating. | Financial loss due to medical care, loss of work, and use of sick time is significant, but usually manageable. |
| Stress Level | Psychological stress is typically moderate to severe and often results in anxiety, depression and trauma that may be prolonged. May require treatment. | Psychological stress is mild to moderate and may result in depression during/after pregnancy that may resolve without treatment. |
| Recovery | Postpartum recovery is prolonged, averaging 6 months to 2 years. | Postpartum recovery is typical and usually takes a few months. |
How much weight have you lost?
Calculate your weight loss percentage. Generally
How severe is your HG?
Calculate your HELP Score (the HyperEmesis Level Prediction Score) with a tool we developed to determine how severe your symptoms are. Trend this number over time to see if you are getting worse or better.
NOTE: You are calculating your symptoms for today.
Get the help you need.
- Seek emergency services for immediate care.
- Find a doctor in your area.
- Volunteer to offer help.
- Join our online support groups.
- Email us for additional support.
- Contact our Crisis Warmline for urgent questions by calling 833-2ChatHG (833-224-2844) in USA. (We will call you usually within 24 hours.)
- You can request a Case Consultation after reviewing our resources.
DID YOU KNOW? Our clinicians volunteer their time to support YOU and thousands of other families. Please consider donating or hold a fundraiser on Facebook or Instagram.
Suggested donation: $25/15 min consult. An average consult is 30-60 min.
Looking for HG management info?
Check out our Patient Protocol, treatment guidelines, and other helpful resources for you and to share with your healthcare team.
What you can ask for to make hospital visits more comfortable:
Women with hyperemesis are very miserable and deserve to be treated with great compassion. Extra measures taken to give comfort are beneficial both physically and psychologically.
- Make sure that intravenous fluids are warmed before administration to avoid discomfort and calorie loss due to shivering.
- Offer warmed blankets and a bed (v. reclining chair).
- If multiple sticks are required for an IV, consider a local anesthetic and request most skilled personnel to avoid scarring.
- Try medications rectally, compounded or transdermal, and avoid intramuscular injections due to muscle atrophy and low pain tolerance.
- Ask for a room in an area where it's quieter and the smells are minimized.
- Ask about a PT consult for education on progressive exercise to minimize atrophy.
Join Our Research Studies From Home!
Want to make a positive difference with your HG experience, participate in our Research Survey and Studies. We have important survey research you can do from bed and you can have a family member fill it out for you. This valuable information is published in medical journals to educate health professionals so women with HG get better care! Join #TeamHER for research progress.
