When someone asks me what hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is like, I often start by saying, “It’s like a bad stomach flu.”

Sounds relatable, right? Almost everyone has experienced a stomach flu.

But the truth? That comparison doesn’t even come close.

Why? Because even a bad stomach flu usually only lasts a few days, maybe a week. Then comes the relief. That first sip of water that stays down, your appetite slowly returning, and your strength starting to rebuild.

Now, imagine never reaching that point. No relief. Not for weeks, months, or even an entire pregnancy. And through it all, you’re growing a human.

That’s HG.

And it’s so much more than nausea and vomiting. HG is a life-altering condition that turned my world and my stomach inside out. This is my raw, unfiltered account of what it’s like —and how I fought to survive.

My HG Symptoms: Beyond Nausea and Vomiting

My nausea and vomiting started five weeks into both of my pregnancies. While the vomiting was horrible, the severe and constant nausea was the hardest for me. It was relentless, and unlike with a stomach flu, vomiting brought no relief. The constant sickness was exhausting, and quickly began to take a toll on my physical, mental, and emotional health.

Peeing myself while vomiting also became a humiliating norm — especially during my second pregnancy. If I could anticipate it in time, I’d sit on the toilet with a bucket to throw up in. But I wasn’t always quick enough. The loss of control over my body was embarrassing and demoralizing.

In my first pregnancy, I struggled with severe food aversions. Even after the vomiting became less frequent, my body gave me no hunger cues. Eating was a daily chore I had to force myself to do.

My second pregnancy brought a different set of challenges. I couldn’t drink fluids by mouth — even a popsicle would trigger intractable vomiting. For the first half of my pregnancy, I relied entirely on IV fluids for hydration. On top of that, I suffered from hypersalivation, constantly producing excessive saliva that I couldn’t swallow without triggering more vomiting. I had to carry a “spit cup” or “spit towel” with me everywhere I went.

Side Effects

One thing I learned about myself during my HG pregnancies is that I’m the “Side Effect Queen.” On top of the impacts HG had on my health and well-being, I experienced both common and rare side effects from the medications used to manage it.

Some of the more common side effects included headaches, constipation, dizziness, and sedation. But I also dealt with more severe reactions, like dystonic episodes and significant mental health challenges related to the cocktail of antiemetics in my system. During my first pregnancy, things got so bad that I became suicidal.

Impacts on My Daily Life

When a woman battling HG says, “I feel like I am dying,” believe her. I said those words many times, and I meant them. That’s exactly how it felt — especially during my first, poorly managed pregnancy. It was as if I could feel my body eating itself to survive. I was starving, exhausted, and pushed to my mental, emotional, and physical limits. Even basic hygiene tasks, like showering, were a battle.

Looking back, I made many mistakes during my first pregnancy. Perhaps the most dangerous was how hard I pushed myself until around 13 weeks gestation. By then, I had no choice but to go on extended sick leave. Due to avoidable complications, I couldn’t return to work until 13 weeks postpartum.

In my second pregnancy, things were different. We had a solid plan in place: I had consistent medical care, received home healthcare for IV fluids, and always had someone with me to help when needed.

My life was intentionally stripped down to the bare necessities — and it worked. I managed to maintain my part-time remote job, spend time with my son, and my overall health and well-being was significantly improved.

Concluding Thoughts

HG touched every part of my life. My second pregnancy was much better than my first, but it was still far from easy.

If you’re battling HG, I hope my story helps you feel less alone. And if you’re supporting someone with HG, I hope this gives you a deeper understanding of just how much they need your compassionate support.

HG can be an overwhelming, isolating experience, and your understanding and support can make a world of difference.

Kathryn is a mentor and advocate dedicated to raising awareness and supporting those impacted by hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). A two-time HG survivor with a PhD in Psychological & Brain Sciences, she combines science-based expertise with the compassionate understanding gained from her own experience. After transforming her own traumatic journey with HG, Kathryn identified significant gaps in knowledge and support, leading her to transition from her academic research career to helping women and their families navigate this challenging condition. Learn more about her story and the resources she offers on Instagram @HGMentor, or reach out to her at kathryn@hgmentor.com