Hyperemesis Gravidarum: When Morning Sickness Becomes Debilitating
If severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are preventing you from eating, working, or enjoying your pregnancy, you have hyperemesis gravidarum—not just 'morning sickness.' We can help.
If you've been told 'morning sickness is normal' while you're losing weight and can't keep anything down, you deserve real treatment for this serious condition.
What is This Condition?
Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy characterized by persistent vomiting, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, ketosis, and weight loss exceeding 5% of pre-pregnancy weight. Unlike typical morning sickness, which affects up to 80% of pregnant women and resolves after the first trimester, HG is debilitating, can persist throughout pregnancy, and requires medical intervention. HG affects approximately 0.3-3% of pregnancies and is a leading cause of hospitalization during pregnancy.
Common Misconception
Morning sickness is just something pregnant women have to deal with.
Medical Reality
HG is a serious medical condition that can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, Wernicke's encephalopathy, liver damage, and fetal complications including low birth weight and preterm birth. It involves abnormal placental hormone production, altered gut motility, and genetic predisposition.
Common Accompanying Symptoms
- Severe nausea preventing any food intake
- Vomiting multiple times daily
- Weight loss exceeding 5 pounds (2.3 kg)
- Signs of dehydration (dark urine, dry mouth, dizziness)
- Inability to perform daily activities
Your symptoms indicate Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Schedule evaluation for treatment to protect yourself and your baby.
What May Be Causing Your Pain
HG has multiple contributing factors that can be addressed in treatment.
Biological Mechanisms
HG results from a combination of factors: (1) Placental hormone abnormalities—excessive hCG and altered placental growth hormone affect the vomiting center; (2) Altered gastrointestinal motility—progesterone-induced smooth muscle relaxation plus increased estrogen causes delayed gastric emptying; (3) Immune dysregulation—altered cytokine profiles may contribute to severe nausea; (4) Genetic predisposition—women with family history of HG have higher risk; (5) Psychological factors—while not causative, pre-existing anxiety can worsen symptoms. The result is severe, persistent vomiting leading to dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, ketone production, and malnutrition.
Contributing Factors
Placental Hormone Abnormalities
Excessive hCG production (multiple pregnancies, molar pregnancy) or altered placental hormone variants
Gastrointestinal Dysmotility
Delayed gastric emptying and altered gut motility from pregnancy hormones
Genetic Predisposition
Family history of HG suggests inherited susceptibility
Psychological Factors
Pre-existing anxiety or depression can amplify symptoms
Environmental Triggers
- Strong smells and odors
- Heat (relevant in Dubai)
- Certain textures of food
Dietary Factors
- Any food triggering nausea
- Large meals
- High-fat or spicy foods
Lifestyle Factors
- Empty stomach
- Fatigue
- Stress
How We Identify the Cause
HG diagnosis is clinical, but testing helps assess severity and guide treatment.
Our Approach
Standard medicine often dismisses HG as normal morning sickness and offers limited treatment options. At Healers Clinic, we recognize HG as a serious medical condition requiring aggressive treatment. We provide comprehensive care including IV hydration, nutritional support, safe antiemetics, and complementary therapies to help you maintain nutrition and hydration for both your health and your baby's development.
Complete Metabolic Panel
Purpose: Assess electrolyte status and kidney function
Shows: Sodium, potassium, chloride, BUN, creatinine
Liver Function Tests
Purpose: Assess liver impact from vomiting
Shows: AST, ALT, bilirubin
Thyroid Panel
Purpose: Rule out thyroid dysfunction
Shows: TSH, Free T4 (hCG can suppress TSH)
Nutritional Assessment
Purpose: Evaluate nutritional status
Shows: Albumin, prealbumin, vitamin levels
How We Treat Pain Syndromes
We provide comprehensive treatment for HG at all severity levels.
IV Hydration Therapy
Restore fluids and electrolytes
IV Nutritional Support
Provide essential nutrients and vitamins
Safe Anti-Nausea Medication
Control nausea and vomiting
Acupuncture
Reduce nausea through traditional Chinese medicine
Standard vs. Investigative Care
Standard Approach
Prescribes doxylamine/pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) and suggests eating small meals
- ×Insufficient for severe HG
- ×Patients end up hospitalized
- ×Limited treatment options offered
Our Approach
Comprehensive treatment including IV fluids, nutrition, medication, and complementary therapies
- Prevents hospitalization in most cases
- Maintains better nutrition for baby
- Improves quality of life significantly
Expected Healing Timeline
Phase 1: Acute Stabilization
Days 1-7Focus: IV fluids, Electrolyte correction, Antiemetic initiation
Expected Outcome: Stabilize hydration and electrolytes
Phase 2: Symptom Management
Weeks 2-12Focus: Medication optimization, Nutritional support, Dietary modifications
Expected Outcome: Reduce symptoms to manageable level
Phase 3: Maintenance
Week 13+Focus: Gradual medication reduction as symptoms improve, Continue nutritional support, Prepare for potential third-trimester improvement
Expected Outcome: Manage symptoms through pregnancy
At-Home Relief Strategies
While receiving treatment, these measures can help reduce nausea.
Small, Frequent Meals
Eat small amounts every 2-3 hours; don't let stomach empty
Expected: Reduces nausea from empty stomach
High-Protein Snacks
Keep crackers and protein bars by bed; eat before getting up
Expected: Protein helps reduce nausea
Ginger
Ginger tea, candied ginger, or ginger supplements
Expected: Proven natural antiemetic
Acupressure
Sea-bands on wrists; pressure on inner wrist
Expected: Stimulates anti-nausea points
Stay Hydrated
Sip fluids frequently; try electrolyte drinks
Expected: Prevents dehydration
Common Questions Answered
Morning sickness is mild to moderate nausea that improves after the first trimester. HG is severe, persistent vomiting that causes weight loss, dehydration, and inability to function. HG requires medical treatment, while morning sickness often resolves with dietary changes.