It was never that popular until Kate Middleton talked about it when she was first pregnant (and now, another round of news highlight it again) but many women around the world silently suffer from this excruciating ordeal of Hyperemesis Gravidarum.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum or HG is a condition characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and electrolyte disturbance. Mild cases are treated with dietary changes, rest, and antacids. More severe cases often require a stay in the hospital so that the mother can receive fluid and nutrition through an intravenous line (IV). Source: American Pregnancy Association
There are so many misconceptions about HG and noone really openly talks about it (just like APAS and other repro-immuno disorders). Truth is, my mom had it when she was pregnant with me and my sisters, and my friend’s mom also suffered from extreme vomiting way back in the 80s. It is often just coined as “paglilihi” – just your “normal” morning sickness. But seriously, there is nothing normal about HG until you experience it.
My pregnancy with Santi was already difficult because of my repro-immune disorders. I was positive for 3 out of 5 categories and APAS was one of them. Because of this, I was on monthly IV for different intravenous procedures to counter my overactive killer cells. I also injected myself with heparin twice a day (on my tummy) and had to drink an unimaginable number of pills. My ordeal was even made worse because I also had to suffer from HG.
I have said this once, and I will say it again, I will take APAS over HG any time of the day.
Suffering from HG is unbearable. I vomited all throughout the day. Imagine your worst hangover, on effin replay, day in and day out. With no medicine. Mapapamura and maiiyak ka talaga! There was even a time when I passed out because I was vomiting so much. I hit my head on the floor and husband had to rush me to the hospital where I was admitted for dehydration.
It was constant hunger and thirst every single day. I often feared for the health of my baby because I hated water the most. What if my amniotic fluid became too low? What kind of nutrients was my baby getting since I am barfing them all?!
My doctor gave me Plasil and Ranitidine but I also didn’t want to take them all the time because I felt that I was already ingesting too many medication.
Worst part of it all is that noone really understands. Of course, people around you mean well when they say, “Kain or inom kalang ng paonti-onti.” You wish you can. But it is nearly impossible. I tried. And I kept on going back to the toilet 80% of the time.
So what can you do?
Nothing really. In other countries where HG is commonly diagnosed, they offer medications like Zofran (much more stronger than Plasil). However, with all the drugs I was taking, I know that I would have not been comfortable adding another one to the list.
I wish I have an answer to you, HG mom. But I really don’t. I just want you to know that I know how you feel. In my case, I only follow what they say that take it one day at a time.
Rest if you need to rest. And of course, pray. That is the only ammo we have, especially for complicated pregnancies like ours.
Virtual hugs to you! Send me a message anytime if you need someone to talk to. That’s the most I can do.
xx,
