What is hyperemesis gravidarum?
Whilst the majority of women may experience what is commonly known as ‘morning sickness’, a small percentage of women develop hyperemesis gravidarum, which is a really severe form of nausea and vomiting that can last all day.
What causes hyperemesis gravidarum?
According to Standford Childrens Health the cause is unknown however it is thought to be hormone related. Unfortunately it is also more common in multiple birth pregnancies.
Georgia Caroline shares her story about her experience of Hyperemesis Gravidarum while pregnant with twins
Author: Georgia Caroline
I have a beautiful 2 year old boy (single pregnancy) and am currently 30 weeks pregnant with twin girls. In both of my pregnancies I have severely suffered with Hyperemesis Gravidarum. This pregnancy, with the twins, has definitely been worse, due to the increased estrogen. Thankfully my doctor is an ex gynaecologist and a mother of twins herself, so she has been very knowledgeable and understanding.
With my singleton pregnancy I gained 30+ kg. This pregnancy I have only gained 9kgs so far as I have been that ill… my girls are also measuring extremely small, which concerns me.
I am allergic to maxalon.
I’ve have tried morning sickness tablets, vitamin B1, and folate tablets none of which worked. I could not eat or drink during first trimester and half of second trimester so was admitted to hospital on 10+ occasions for fluids via IV, I had steroid shots which seemed to help. I took ondansatron/zofran tablets (dissolvable ones would make me feel even sicker) 8mg 1-2 times a day. This helped me cope by stopping my vomiting but nothing for nausea. My absolute lifesaving medication was restivat (sleep-aid) 1/2 a tablet every night helped my nausea through the next day
Hyperemesis Gravidarum while pregnant with twins – What has helped me cope.
My partner cooked, cleaned and drove everyone around as I was completely bedridden until 17 weeks. Communicating with my partner, friends and family was the key. As well as not pushing myself and letting myself rest. Now at 30 weeks my appetite is very limited and I struggle to simply drink water still without feeling sick.
My first singleton pregnancy I could vomit and continue with my day and get up and about. This twin pregnancy I couldn’t vomit because couldn’t get anything down and what I get down would come straight up. I was very depressed at the start of my pregnancy because I was not able to attend family events or go anywhere. Always in hospital and couldn’t do anything fun with my son. I couldn’t even make a simple meal or clean my hose. Talking about it with other HG mums through (HG support groups on Facebook) and my friends and family and taking the help when offered was vital!
Hyperemesis Gravidarum while pregnant with twins – how it has affected my son
Being bedridden with Hyperemesis Gravidarum has had a huge effect on my son. He has not been able to experience the simple things a 2 year old should, like going outside enjoying the sun. Thankfully, he has adapted well but he has also had many days spent in bed watching children shows until his dad got home or nanny took him out for the day. Sometimes he will rub my back while I am sick or he will mimic me and say “mummy sick”. I really struggle to make his food. Cooking him nutritious meals and snacks is impossible. A lot of packet snacks, and easy go to food, is all I can manage. This has caused me a lot of additional stress and worry.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum and twins – the financial costs
I was running a small beauty salon from home. However I’ve had to stop, due to being so ill, and we are now forced to live on one income.
The cost of Zofran has also placed us under huge financial strain. Depending on what dose (4mg or 8mg) and what chemist it is purchased from, it can range from $20-32 for 10 tablets. Taking into consideration that some people need to take 3-4 tablets each day, this soon adds up. There would be days where I would have to go to hospital because I couldn’t afford the medication. Or I didn’t have the energy to get script from the doctor.
Please sign the petition
There are a lot of petitions regarding putting ondansatron on the PBS for women with Hyperemesis Gravidarum. I fully support this and I think it would be valuable to help enable women to continue to work, to prevent further depression and ease financial strain.
Note from Twinfo:
Please note: This member has shared her personal story with Hyperemesis Gravidarum, for which she was under the care of a medical professional. Please consult your medical professional for any advice pertaining to your own situation. Thanks.
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