While many expect morning sickness to pass after a few weeks, a condition called Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) can turn pregnancy into a physically and emotionally exhausting experience.
HG is not “just morning sickness.” It’s relentless, debilitating, and can deeply affect both physical health and mental wellbeing.
What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of morning sickness in pregnancy that causes extreme nausea and vomitting. It affects about 0.3% to 3% of pregnancies and can lead to dehydration, significant weight loss, and even hospitalisation.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, please know it’s not your fault and not something you’re expected to “push through.” HG is a serious medical condition that deserves care and compassion.
The Hidden Mental Health Toll
Beyond the physical symptoms, HG can take a powerful toll on mental health. Many women living with HG describe feeling stripped of joy, identity, and control. Research links HG with perinatal depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress after pregnancy.
Acknowledging the emotional impact does not make you weaker. It highlights just how much strength you have been drawing on to get through each day.
Why HG Can Feel Traumatic
The unrelenting nausea, repeated hospital stays, and disruption to daily life can be deeply traumatic. Studies suggest that over half of women with HG experience trauma-related symptoms such as flashbacks or hypervigilance, and about one in five develop PTSD.
Understanding what makes some women more vulnerable can help healthcare providers and loved ones offer better support.
Risk Factors That Increase Vulnerability
Not everyone with HG develops PTSD but certain experiences can increase the risk. These include:
A previous pregnancy affected by HG
Feeling dismissed or unsupported by healthcare professionals
Experiencing severe, “torture-like” symptoms such as forced retching
Lack of emotional or practical support from family and friends
Hormonal changes in pregnancy already affect mood and wellbeing (as discussed in our article on Pregnancy Hormones and Link with Mental Health). When HG occurs on top of these changes, it can leave women feeling not only physically unwell, but also emotionally isolated or misunderstood.
How HG Shapes Feelings About Pregnancy
HG doesn’t just affect the pregnancy itself. It can change how women feel about pregnancy in general. Many report:
Feeling guilty or ashamed for struggling
Comparing themselves to others with or who had “easier” pregnancies
Mourning the joyful pregnancy they had hoped for
It’s important to remember that pregnancy is not a competition. Your journey is your own, and every experience is valid.
These emotions are valid. Struggling through HG doesn’t make you weak or “less of a mother.” It reflects tremendous resilience in the face of real physical and emotional strain.
Coping with Hyperemesis Gravidarum
While there are no one-size-fits-all solution, there are ways to make the journey a little more manageable whether that’s for yourself or for someone you care about.
If you’re experiencing HG:
Seek medical help early. Treatments like anti-nausea medication and IV fluids can ease symptoms.
Prioritise hydration and nutrition in small ways. Even tiny sips of water or light snacks can help when tolerated.
Rest without guilt. Your body is working incredibly hard.
Look after your mental health. Speaking to a counsellor or psychologist can help you manage the anxiety, low mood, or trauma that often comes alongside HG.
If you’re supporting someone with HG:
Believe them. HG is not “just morning sickness.” Truly listening without minimising their experience is one of the most powerful forms of support you can provide.
Offer practical help. Cooking, cleaning, childcare, or simply running errands can relieve huge stress.
Encourage guilt-free rest. Offer to sit with them, keep them company, or create a calm environment where they can rest without feeling shame.
Stay connected. A simple text, call, or message to say “I’m here for you” can help reduce feelings of isolation.
HG is tough and it’s about so much more than nausea. It can leave you feeling drained, anxious, or isolated. That’s why reaching out, whether to a trusted friend, family member, support group, or professional, can be such a lifeline. You don’t have to carry this on your own.