Living with Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Quick, evidence-based guidance to help you understand HG, manage symptoms at home, and know when to reach out to your care team.
HG is more than morning sickness. It is a serious condition marked by severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and dehydration during pregnancy. It can affect your daily function, mood, and hydration — and it deserves early, compassionate treatment.
Call your clinic or seek urgent care if you cannot keep fluids down for 8-12 hours, feel faint, have dark urine, a racing heartbeat, severe abdominal pain, or blood in vomit. These may be signs of dehydration or complications that need IV fluids or evaluation.
Small, frequent sips often work better than large drinks. Try ice chips, popsicles, oral rehydration solutions, or diluted juice. Room-temperature or cold fluids may be easier to tolerate. Track intake and let your team know if you are struggling to stay hydrated.
There is no single diet that works for everyone. Many patients do best with bland, cold, dry, or high-protein snacks eaten in tiny amounts. Avoid strong smells and triggers. Nutrition matters, but the first goal is usually keeping fluids and some food down safely.
The HELP score is a 10-question tool that captures how severe your symptoms are right now. Filling it out weekly helps your care team spot trends early and adjust your treatment before symptoms become a crisis. Honest answers are the most helpful.
The HER Foundation (hyperemesis.org) offers research, support, and patient stories. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) also publishes provider guidance on nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.