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Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a condition that affects pregnant women. It is more common than you think. Just what is this condition; it is basically severe nausea which not only occurs in the morning during the first trimester, but any time during the day or night, and at times, throughout the whole pregnancy.

I am familiar with this condition as I suffered with it throughout the pregnancy of my firstborn. Men do not understand it, and women who have not gone through it really do not know how severe it can become.

I was hospitalized a couple of times during my first pregnancy because of severe dehydration. I could barely eat and the smell of food simply made me want to hurl. Throughout the pregnancy there was little weight gain, the baby of course taking all the nutrition it needed to survive.

The simple action of motion when trying to get out of the bed would send my body and brain into a tizzy. The toilet, sink or bowl became my best friend. Traveling on public transit was something that I had to do and often did not make it through to more than one stop without having the need to disembark to vomit.

Oh and the smells… I will never forget them. The smell of meat cooking, a freshly opened can of food had a devastating effect on me. Smells were intensified to the extreme. A nice bacon sandwich or a barbecued chicken… was not something that I could endure or cook for that matter.

I ended up in the hospital a couple of times for rehydration. I survived on dry crackers, strawberries, and chocolate or banana popsicles. And this was only during the end of my pregnancy.

I also had trouble sleeping; your mind often tells you that you need to eat, not only because of practicality but because of the life form growing inside of you. Constipation is another common trait of pregnancy. Not knowing what to eat, trying to listen to what others are demanding of you. Eat, eat, you will feel better! And so I tried, and then the stomach would tie itself into knots, my body rejecting the food that it so needed. Vitamin deficiency was also a given. I could not depend on food to give my body a boost and some nutritional supplements were not compatible with my system.

It has been determined that Hyperemesis Gravidarum can be caused by hormonal changes within the body. Elevated levels of  human chorionic gonadotropin or HCG is often present in women who suffer from HG. Normally, HCG levels are high during the first trimester and then return to a somewhat normal level throughout the rest of the pregnancy.

I remember gaining a total of 16 or so pounds throughout the pregnancy. Fourteen of these pounds were gone the moment I gave birth. My firstborn was a girl who was born healthy with a full set of hair. I remember that she was born with a sucking blister on her right wrist. When she became of an age to notice the mark, she asked about it and I told her, seems that you were starving before you were born and found comfort in sucking on your wrist. This, of course, was not true. Some babies suck their thumbs while in the uterus. Mine simply chose her wrist.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum symptoms can be alleviated by changes in the diet. Avoidance of spicy foods as well as fried foods can lessen the symptoms somewhat. Bland foods such as steamed vegetables, plain mashed potatoes, and fruits can also help. Sufferers are often prescribed medication to relieve the nausea.

Eating dry crackers before getting out of bed also seems to help. Smaller amounts of food spread out during the day is best. Avoid drinking water during your meals as this will fill you up and cause you to avoid eating. Make sure to drink small amounts of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration.

In some cases, HG can be also be caused by genetics. If you suffer from extreme nausea during pregnancy, it is important to discuss it with your doctor. If left untreated, complications can arise that can put your health and the health of your unborn child in jeopardy.

For more information on HG visit http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/254751-overview