Pregnancy can be an incredibly transformative journey, but for up to 10.8% of pregnant women, the joys are overshadowed by a debilitating condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). 

Unlike typical “morning sickness,” HG causes extreme nausea and vomiting that can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and significant weight loss, posing risks to mother and baby. While its exact causes are still being explored, a ground-breaking discovery has brought a new perspective: HG has a genetic link. 

This revelation underscores the importance of understanding your family’s medical history, starting with a simple question: “Mom, what were your pregnancies like?

Understanding the Genetic Link

For far too long, women experiencing HG were dismissed and told they were dealing with “morning sickness,” leaving many without the care they desperately needed. Thanks to the pioneering work of researchers like Dr. Marlena Fejzo, these women are finally starting to be heard. We now know that HG isn’t just a random occurrence but a distinct condition rooted in our DNA.

Studies have identified one gene in particular that is associated with an increased risk of developing HG during pregnancy: GDF15. This gene codes for a hormone of the same name, found at high levels in the placenta, and rises rapidly during early pregnancy. Fejzo’s work has uncovered that women with HG often have different variants of the GDF15 gene, changing how it signals to the brain and drives intense nausea and vomiting. 

Further studies have unlocked another piece of the puzzle: GDF15 variants run in families. Sisters of women with HG are 17 times more likely to experience it themselves. Additionally, 33% of women with HG report having mothers who also suffered from severe pregnancy sickness, compared to only 7.7% of controls; this highlights how crucial genetics are in understanding HG. 

Why Talking to Your Mom Matters

As HG is a genetic condition, your mother’s pregnancy stories (and grandmother’s and sister’s) could hold the key to preparing for and understanding your own. If they suffered with severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, there is a greater risk that you too will experience similar symptoms. 

This information isn’t just fascinating family history, nor is it meant to make you fearful of falling pregnant. Rather, it helps you and your doctor anticipate potential challenges and prepare for them before they arise. Anyone with a familial history of HG can develop a care plan with their provider and be closely monitored throughout their pregnancy. If HG presents, there is already a determined care pathway, helping these women receive timely treatment.

This early intervention is crucial for effective HG management. Delayed treatment increases the risk of complications, repeated hospital stays, and, heartbreakingly, the rate of pregnancy termination due to the physical and mental toll. 

Early intervention achieves the opposite, helping women with HG suffer from fewer complications. It gives you the best possible chance for a healthier pregnancy. 

Planning for Pregnancy

If pregnancy runs in your family, it’s a good idea to meet with a healthcare provider before getting pregnant to create a personalised care plan. This proactive planning ensures you’re ready to tackle HG head-on, reducing the risk of complications and repeat hospitalizations. 

You can think of preparing for a potential HG journey like creating a birth plan, only this plan focuses on managing symptoms and ensuring you have the proper care in place from the start. You can work closely with your healthcare provider to identify early warning signs, outline treatment options, and establish a step-by-step approach to care. HG care plans might include early intervention strategies such as antiemetic medications, IV hydration, or nutritional support. 

The goal is to tailor your plan to your needs and medical history.

Even with the best care plan, a pregnancy with HG can be challenging, many women report feeling socially isolated, misunderstood, or even suicidal due to the relentless nature of the condition, which is why a support network is key. Connect with family members who have experienced HG, share your plans with family and friends, and don’t hesitate to lean on those closest to you.

How Harmonia Healthcare  Can Help

Talking to your mom, understanding your family history, creating a proactive care plan, and setting up a support network are vital first steps. Get in touch with us at Harmonia for your free prepregnancy consultation, to ensure you have access to compassionate, informed care every step of the way.

At Harmonia, we’re dedicated to supporting women facing HG by offering tailored pre-pregnancy consultations and specialized care plans. From early intervention strategies like antiemetic treatments to ongoing symptom management, mental health support, and even support during delivery and after birth, our team helps reduce uncertainty, improve outcomes for you and your baby, and ensure you never navigate this journey alone.

We believe every woman deserves to feel empowered during pregnancy, no matter the challenges. Having the right care, alongside a strong network of family, friends, and medical professionals, can help you face the journey feeling supported.