Understanding HG has been both a challenging and transformative part of my journey to motherhood.

When my first symptoms hit in 2018, I didn’t know anything about HG—and neither did those around me. That first pregnancy was characterized by confusion, frustration, inadequate support, and suffering.

Going into my second pregnancy in 2022, I had gained the knowledge, support, and proactive management strategies I needed. This time, though still challenging, my experience with HG was drastically better than my first.

How I Learned About Hyperemesis Gravidarum

During my first pregnancy, I don’t recall the term hyperemesis gravidarum being used in any of my doctor’s appointments or hospital visits. The first time I remember seeing those words was on a printed handout, tucked into my discharge paperwork after an ER visit for IV fluids. If it had come up in conversation, it certainly wasn’t explained in a way that stuck, because I don’t remember receiving a formal diagnosis.

After returning home and googling HG, I came across the HER Foundation’s website. In addition to learning about what HG was, I had a sudden realization:

“This is also what my mum suffered from during all three of her pregnancies!!”

I knew she had been very sick and needed multiple hospitalizations for IV fluids, but growing up, I’d heard whispers that she’d been “a bit dramatic.” Regretfully, I had dismissed her experience, thinking it was a sign that I needed to “toughen up” when I started feeling sick at 5 weeks pregnant.

Inadequate Provider Information

I don’t recall if I was given any other information about HG throughout my pregnancy. This lack of clarity only fueled my guilt and self-doubt. For the most part, my OB team was kind and supportive, but looking back, having a formal diagnosis and a better understanding of what was happening to me would have made a huge difference.

I wasn’t doing anything wrong; I wasn’t a bad mother; I was battling HG and its associated impacts.

In addition to an unclear diagnosis, information provided about medications—such as side effects, drug interactions, and withdrawals—and the need for IV fluids with added vitamins and minerals was especially lacking. In my opinion, these gaps in information, combined with my general lack of knowledge about HG, led to unnecessary suffering.

The Power of Self-Education

Recovering from my first pregnancy with HG took time, but researching HG and understanding everything I had been through gave me an increased sense of clarity and control.

I studied every relevant scientific journal I could find, read every article and resources on the HER Foundations website, and I started joining HG support groups online.

Going into my second pregnancy, I was educated and prepared and so was everyone around me. During this pregnancy I felt supported, respected, and understood, and I received the compassionate and informed care that I deserved.

Reflecting on My Two HG Pregnancies

I have had two drastically different experiences with hyperemesis gravidarum. So, what made the difference? It comes down to my understanding of HG and how I used my knowledge to proactively and confidently advocate for myself.

While awareness of HG is growing, we do not yet live in a world where we can assume that every individual or provider is well-informed about this condition. Empowering yourself with knowledge about HG is essential—not just for expectant mothers, but also for their families and healthcare providers.

If you or a loved one is suffering from HG, I encourage you to seek out information and advocate for your care needs. Hyperemesis gravidarum is an incredibly challenging journey, but with informed care and support, it can become a whole lot easier.

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