Pregnancy Morning Sickness: Hyperemesis Gravidarum

As if regular ol' pregnancy morning sickness isn't bad enough, about 1 out of every 300 expecting mamas develops a serious form of morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum (Latin for "excessive vomiting in pregnancy" and Pig Latin for "my life sucks"). The cause of hyperemesis gravidarum isn't known, but docs believe it can occur when the mother's body cannot make up for excessive vomiting and loses valuable body salts (electrolytes) and bodily fluids. Many believe the disorder may be linked to higher levels of the hormones hCG, estrogen and progesterone. The condition is more common in first time mamas, younger women and women carrying multiples.



If you have the following symptoms, you may be suffering from mega pregnancy morning sickness, aka hyperemesis gravidarum:

• You're vomiting excessively (you haven't been able to keep any food or drink down for 24 hours or more).
• You're using the bathroom less frequently (especially if your urine looks darker in color and consequently is becoming more concentrated).
• Your mouth, eyes, or skin are dry.
• You feel extreme fatigue and/or weakness.
• You're hallucinating. Like for realz, not just visualizing how adorable your baby is gonna be (which is totally normal!).
• You're experiencing confusion beyond normal mommy brain.

If think you are experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum, call your doc right away! She will most likely hook you up to an IV (either in a hospital or at home). The IV will replenish the salts and fluids necessary to re-hydrate your body. She may also prescribe anti-nausea medication. Hang in there! This too shall pass!