Morning Sickness ~ or ~ Hyperemesis Gravidarum
While all have a clear understanding that “morning sickness” is something that just comes with the territory that is “being with child,” many are not as familiar with the extreme, persistent and severe phenomenon known as Hyperemesis Gravidarum. It is estimated that 70-80% of women experience some form of “morning sickness” in the early stages of pregnancy. Loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting… You get the idea. The symptoms tend to ease up coming into the second trimester of pregnancy. Finally feeling rejuvenated and refreshed, women begin to love and enjoy being pregnant! For .2-3% of those women however, that moment of rejuvenating refreshment never comes.
| Morning Sickness |
Hyperemesis Gravidarum |
| Nausea sometimes accompanied by vomiting |
Nausea accompanied by severe vomiting |
| Nausea that subsides by 12 weeks gestation, or soon after |
Nausea that does not subside |
| Vomiting can be between 2-3 times per day, usually in the mornings or when first waking for the day |
Vomiting can be between 8-9 times per day, anytime throughout the day or night |
You lose little if any weight
(And continue to gain at a moderate rate) |
You lose 5-20 pounds or more
(> 5% of pre-pregnancy weight) |
| Nausea and vomiting do not interfere with your ability to eat or drink enough each day and it does not cause severe dehydration |
Nausea causes you to eat very little throughout the day and the vomiting causes severe dehydration |
| Vomiting is infrequent and the nausea is episodic but not severe |
You vomit often and may vomit bile or blood if not treated. Nausea is usually moderate to severe and constant |
| It may cause discomfort and a temporary feeling of misery which subsides rather quickly |
It can cause extreme discomfort and a severe and relentless feeling of misery that does not subside and can lead to depression |
| Dietary and/or lifestyle changes are enough to help you feel better most of the time |
More drastic dietary and/or lifestyle changes are required simply to bring a managed level of comfort |
| Essential Oils, Herbal Teas, and Homeopathy can make symptoms almost non-existent |
Medications such as phenothiazines, odansetron, metoclopramide, IV fluid, antihistamines, and antacids may all be necessary |
| Symptoms typically fade and begin to improve towards the end of the first trimester, but can be a little queasy at times during the remainder of your pregnancy |
You usually feel somewhat better by mid-pregnancy, but you may continue to be nauseous and/or vomit until late pregnancy |
| You will be able to work most days and care for your family as normal |
You will likely be unable to work for weeks or months, and may need help caring for yourself and other members of your family |
Image Sourced from Parentables
Signs, Symptoms & Side-Effects of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Food aversions
- Poor sense of taste
- Weight loss of 5% or more of pre-pregnancy weight
- Decrease in urination
- Constipation
- Dehydration
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Fainting spells
- Pallor (paleness)
- Jaundice
- Extreme fatigue
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Pins & Needles feeling in hands and feet
- Secondary anxiety/depression
Understanding “Morning Sickness”
and the Phenomenon that is Hyperemesis Gravidarum
To begin to fully understand why women experience “morning sickness” during pregnancy in the first place, and the phenomenon that is hyperemesis gravidarum, we should first look at the specifics that occur at the early part of pregnancy and conception. Once fertilized, the egg within the women’s body becomes viewed as a foreign object. A women’s body will then have a natural immune response to the fertilized egg, and make an attempt to expel the “foreign object” from the body. In an effort for the body to counter this natural reaction and protect the baby from this immune response, the corpus lutem (the source of the egg or ovum in the ovary) will secrete the hormone we commonly know as HCG, or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin. The corpus luteum will continue to secrete the hormone HCG as a safety measure until the placenta has fully developed, at which time, the placenta will then take over protection of the baby.
HCG is also responsible for the continued secretion of progesterone, which plays a vital role in the enrichment of the blood supply to the uterus, whereby creating the ideal atmosphere within the uterus for the embryo to grow. Progesterone is also involved in the preparation of the lining of the uterus for fertilization, so that the embryo can attach, rather than being discarded as an unfertilized egg during a normal menstruation cycle.
Morning Sickness
It is this battle of hormones within a women’s body which is the major contributing factor in the occurrence of “morning sickness.” This battle is between the body’s immune response and the maternal organs. The immune response to expel what it views as a “foreign object,” and the maternal organs guard to protect what it knows to be miraculous life.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
“Morning sickness” becomes this severe state when the battle of the hormones continues even after the placenta has fully developed, and in an effort to control the battle and protect the baby, the maternal organs continue to secrete large amounts of HCG into the system. The level of HCG within the body then becomes more than the woman’s body is capable of coping with, whereby causing more than usual amounts of nausea and vomiting than is typically associated with pregnancy, leading to the distressing side-effects of hyperemesis gravidarum. All of this can and does have a negative effect on the growth of the developing baby and professional, medical advice and care should be sought out.
- It has been found to be genetic. You can read the full article here.
- It is more common in pregnancies where twins, triplets or more are involved.
- It is also linked to state of the microbiome within the intestinal tract.
The Miracle of it
While in the throws of hugging / cursing the porcelain thrown, it is often all to easy to forget that what is happening within your body is a miraculous thing. Your maternal organs are fighting to protect your baby from it’s natural response to something the body doesn’t recognize as part of itself. Your body does not recognize it’s make-up as part of you, and that is because it isn’t you. It is part of you and part of your partner. Your baby is it’s own person, while from you, your baby is also a separate individual, with a unique make-up which contains the genetic bond between you and your partner.
Emotionally and spiritually it can be so helpful in your healing and coping process to remember that every time you are nauseous or you throw up, it is because your body is fighting hard to protect that little miraculous life growing within your womb. Looking at it in this manner, the attitude of misery and state of depression can be transformed into a positive and almost gratefulness for the wondrous power and strength that your body has to sustain this little life until mature enough to come earthside into your arms.
You want this battle! Every discomforting feeling can bring hope, as you are one step closer and your baby is being protected by the perfect and divine design of your maternal body.
* Please Note *
When choosing a brand of Essential Oil, Herb or Supplement,
it is vitally important to choose based on quality, not cost.
(Always research the company, the founder, philosophy, quality, sourcing location and method, etc.)
All Essential Oil Recommendations are Based on Medicinal Quality Essential Oils, ONLY.
Photo Sourced from Guide Global
1) Ginger
Ginger is a common and useful remedy in Chinese medicine. Ginger is very calming and eases nausea greatly. It is based on the system of yin and yang and other opposing factors, including heat and cold. Ginger is a hot (yang) remedy and can be a huge benefit to you during pregnancy if you are on the opposing cold (ying) end. If you often wrap yourself in blankets, layer your clothing or find the need to drink hot drinks for warmth, generally feel introspective and disinterested in your surroundings, then ginger is a perfectly suited internal balancer for you. If you find yourself on the hot (yang) end, then it is possible that it can make your body more off-balance, whereby making your symptoms and feelings of sickness worse.
Ginger Essential Oil
Essential oils are the most potent and effective means of encouraging healing within the body. When choosing an Essential Oil it is imperative to choose by Grade and not by cost. There is a huge difference between an aromatic grade essential oil, which should never be ingested or absorbed into the skin, and a certified pure therapeutic grade essential oil, which can be ingested / absorbed into the body.
- Aromatically Diffused, delighting the senses
- Applied topically to the skin, but should be diluted in a carrier oil for young or sensitive skin
- Rubbed on the abdomen or bottoms of the feet to aid in nausea
- Can be ingested internally by placing 1-2 drops into a capsule
Ginger Tincture
The general Ginger Tincture dose is 2-3 dropperfuls, or about 60 drops and can be taken 3-5 times per day.
Ginger Tea
Grate some fresh ginger root and add 2 teaspoons to a cup of boiling distilled water, let steep and strain the ginger gratings. While the response from using fresh ginger root is going to be the best, you can also purchase Traditional Medicinals Organic Ginger Tea. Drink 2-3 cups a day.
Ginger Capsules
Nature’s Way makes an all natural organic capsule of powdered ginger. Start with a minimal dose and work your way up till you find the right amount (of internal balance) for you, as each individual is different. Be mindful that ingesting too much ginger can have a hallucinogenic response, if overdone. Listen intuitively to your body and find what is right for you. Be aware also that there is often a break down in the absorption of any herb when ingested via capsule. Capsules are not generally easily absorbed and sometimes the herbs are burnt in the powdering process. Again, brand specific is important when choosing an herb or powdered herb.
Ginger-Ale
Sipping some mild bubbly is often comforting to the stomach. Do keep in mind that many products on the market only contain a flavoring of ginger and do not actually contain ‘real’ ginger at all. It is important to purchase a good quality ginger-ale from your local health food / wholefoods store.
Dehydrated Ginger
YEP! Just slice up your ginger root and dehydrate it. Keep a few pieces by your bedside or in your pocket as you are out and about. As you begin to feel nauseous, or if a smell affects you, simply pull a piece out and chew on it!
Cooking and Meals
Try adding ginger to your diet and cooking with it by grating or grounding fresh ginger root into your foods.
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Photo Courtesy of
Marion Kay Spices
2) Peppermint
While Ginger is the hot (yang), Peppermint is the cold (yin). If you constantly feel hot and are needing or wanting to remove layers of clothing, desire cold cold drinks, feel hot and bothered and red in the face, are generally hot tempered and feeling irritable then Peppermint is the Herb for you! Peppermint also aids the ailments of irritable bowel syndrome, digestive problems and spastic colon.
Be mindful that if you are using any type of homeopathy, mint of any kind is an anecdote, as the strong mint aroma will stop homeopathic remedies from being effective.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Again, when choosing an Essential Oil it is imperative to choose by Grade and not by cost. Essential oils are extremely potent. For example, 1 drop of dōTERRA Brand Peppermint Essential Oil is equivalent to drinking 30 cups of peppermint tea. You are not limited to this brand, this is only an example used on the potency of essential oils, versus dried herbs.
- Aromatically Diffused, delighting the senses
- Mix in hands with a carrier oil, hands cupped over nose and mouth, inhale deeply
- Applied topically to the skin, but should be diluted in a carrier oil for young or sensitive skin
- Rubbed on the abdomen or bottoms of the feet to aid in nausea
- Can be ingested internally by placing 1-2 drops into a capsule
Peppermint Tea
Fill a glass pitcher with distilled water and ice, and then add in fresh peppermint leaves! Drink drink drink. It is refreshing, calming to the digestive system, reduces nausea and keeps you hydrated. Traditional Medicinals Peppermint Tea is also a lovely option. Drink 2-3 cups a day.
Peppermint Leaves and Candies
Having peppermint leaves or candies to chew or suck on can also be very helpful.
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As explained above Essential Oils (EO) are organic substances which are derived from the volatile liquid within plants. EO are convenient, quick and easy to use and can enhance the bodies own natural ability to maintain a healthy state of vitality. They promote healing by supporting and encouraging the balance within the body without harmful side effects or chemically laced products.
~ Please note ~
When selecting Essential Oils it is important to make sure they are therapeutic, food grade oils, and not perfume grade
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doTERRA
3) Essential Oils
There are many different companies on the market today for essential oils, however, not all are created equal. They can be used topically, ingested and diffused.
Top Medicinal Brands
- Mountain Rose Herbs
- Plant Therapy
- doTERRA
- Rocky Mountain Herbs
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4) Homeopathy
You should ideally see a qualified Naturopathic Physician, Midwife, or Holistic Practitioner prior to taking homeopathic remedies when you are pregnant. For many, this is not an option when it comes to location or insurance. If you are going to undertake your own homeopathic care, always choose the 30c strength tablet and be mindful of the changes within your body from such remedy, and adjust accordingly to your bodies needs. Increase number of tablets until you find the specific amount for your individual body.
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Homeopathic Phosphorus
Boiron Homeopathic Phosphorus 30c, often recommended by Midwives, is a natural supplement with a strong punch which for many women suffering with hyperemesis gravidarum, is considered a homeopathic gift from God. When taken as directed on the bottle, it can lessen the occurrences of nausea and vomiting from 8-9 times per day, down to 3-4 times, or even less, depending on the individual and the severity of the response to the battling hormones.
~ Please Note ~
Boiron Homeopathic Pellets have a sugar base which may interfere with the balance and treatment of gestational diabetes.
Mint is an anecdote to homeopathy and should also be avoided while under going any kind of homeopathic treatment.
DO NOT USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH PEPPERMINT
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5) Herbal Tinctures
The liquid extract form of an herb is referred to as a tincture. A tincture is the next best way to intake an herb, as the liquid menstrum (generally alcohol) extracts even more chemicals than water which would be the method used in the extraction process of steeping tea. The alcohol also preserves the herbs so that they have a shelf life which lasts for many years. Tinctures mostly bypass digestion and are then easily and efficiently absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
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In acute or severe related symptoms, liquid tinctures are preferred over dried encapsulated remedies. Tinctures are absorbed immediately the moment they enter the mouth, bringing an almost instant response. When battling morning sickness or hyperemesis gravidarum, the digestive system is not functioning optimally and this can diminish the benefits of an encapsulated herb whose capsule first needs to be disintegrated to release the herb and then digestion must occur over the next 45 minutes to ensure absorption into the bloodstream. When the digestive system is not assimilating well, there is a breakdown in this process, leaving much of the herb to be passed through the body, or vomited, in this case, as waste.
If you are sensitive to the overwhelming taste of the alcohol and bitterness of a tincture, it can be dissipated in a cup of hot distilled water, and allowed to rest for 20-30 minutes before consumption.
For those who feel the need to avoid alcohol altogether, it would be important to note that the amount of alcohol in any given dose of alcohol based herbal tincture, is the same as can be found in one ripe banana.
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Photo Courtesy of In The Know Mom
6) Sea-Band is a knitted elasticated wrist band, which operates by applying pressure on the Nei Kuan acupressure point on each wrist by means of a plastic stud. Because the bands do not use drugs, they do not cause any of the side effects associated with anti-nausea drugs and can be worn on each wrist whenever you feel nauseous. They are suitable for adults and children. It doesn’t get much more natural than this.
~ Instructions given directly from the Sea-Bands website ~
Sea-Bands may be used to relieve motion sickness, morning sickness and vomiting, as well as nausea and vomiting associated with cancer. To ensure your Sea-Bands work properly, please follow the instructions below to position your wristbands correctly.
- Place your middle three fingers on the inside of your wrist with the edge of the third finger on the wrist crease. The Nei-Kuan point is just under the edge of your index finger between the two central tendons.
- Position the button facing downward over the Nei-Kuan point. Repeat the process for the other wrist.
- One band must be worn on each wrist to be effective. Sea-Bands can be put onto your wrist before you start travelling, or after you have started your journey.
- Sea-Band is suitable for adults and children.
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 Photo Courtesy of Wannabe Mom |
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 Photo Courtesy of Chiropractic Care |
7) Chiropractic Care
I honestly believe that Chiropractic Care is the cure all for almost any ailment or sickness within the body. Many families are beginning to move away from modern “medical” care and seeing a Chiropractor on a regular basis, (every month or every few months) and schedule to see them at the first sign of an imbalance of any kind within the body. Regular Chiropractic Care is the best preventative measure towards maintaining optimal health. |
The benefits of Chiropractic Care throughout the duration of pregnancy and into postpartum are immeasurable.
- 24% Shorter Labors
- Proper Pelvic Alignment
- Removes any interference to the nervous system
- 84% increase in back pain relief
- Less likely to have back labor
- Webster technique for encouraging breech babies to turn sunny side up!
- Increased Breastmilk
- The list goes on and on!!!
When it comes to morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum, some women are able to completely alleviate the nausea with chiropractic care. All pregnancies are different with their own set of hormone dynamics. Depending on the pregnancy this can be a very effective treatment for nausea and vomiting, overall wellness, and comfort. Not to mention that it has HUGE benefits for all areas of your pregnancy journey!
Take the time to find the right Chiropractor for you! Not all are equal, and not all Chiropractors specialize in Chiropractic Care specific to the pregnant woman. Find one who is trained, skilled and experienced in Prenatal Chiropractic Care.
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Photo Courtesy of Preggie Bellies
8) Proper Diet
While this is undoubtedly a no brainer, it can be extremely difficult to even consider what a proper diet entails when you are vomiting upwards of 8-9 times per day.
Eating a significant amount of protein right before going to bed at night can be immensely helpful for many woman in ensuring a smoother transition in the mornings. Midwife Stephanie Fritz recommends consuming as much as twenty to thirty grams of protein before bed to stay ahead of the impending sickness that many woman suffer as the sun rises.
Keeping a protein bar, saltine crackers, and some dehydrated ginger chips by the bedside, and taking small bites and nibbles during midnight bathroom trips, as well as before even sitting up first thing in the morning, can be very helpful. This prepares the stomach for gravity once you rise also.
Foods rich in thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and vitamin A, all help to replace what the body loses every time vomiting occurs.
- Foods high in protein rather than high in fat
- Moderate carbs
- Nuts, especially almonds!
- Cheese
- Water biscuits
- Full-cream milk / Coconut Milk / Coconut Water
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- Fresh fruit
- Avocados
- Coconut Oil
- Homemade soups
- Bone broth
- Chicken
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When the going gets really rough, then it’s time for the rough to get going! Often times, a meal replacement supplement can be exactly the energy booster that a women needs to get her through those really rough patches up onto higher ground.
- Provides the nutrition of a well-balanced healthy meal
- Naturally filling, satisfing hunger and providing energy
- Provides live probiotics and enzymes for healthy digestion
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Image sourced from iherb
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9) Small – Frequent Meals
Eating smaller than usual meals helps the digestive system process on a smaller more manageable level. Just as a breastfeeding baby needs to eat every 2 hours, so should the woman during pregnancy. Smaller meals, more frequently will aid in the digestive process without overwhelming it, and provide the body and baby with a more constant and consistent flow of vitamins, minerals, nutrients and a healthy calorie intake. This is especially important if vomiting occurs regularly throughout the day.
Eating smaller meals also aids the organs as they make-way and move to make room for the growing baby within the uterus.
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10) Short – Regular Walks
Taking a short walk after each meal can help tremendously in aiding the digestive system in processing the small meal you have just eaten.
This not only allows for gravity to work after eating a meal, but the movement also aids in the clearing of the stomach and the bowel.
It is important, even in the last few weeks of pregnancy, to consciously walk with upright posture, giving gravity the best advantage, but also ensuring that the spine and the pelvis remain in proper alignment in preparation for birth.
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11) The Perfect Prenatal
| Constant vomiting quickly depletes the body of thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and vitamin A. When food intake is minimal, at best, it is vital that these nutrients are replaced from a quality source. Finding a prenatal multi-vitamin that has all the perfect perks, required nutrients, and is cost effective is not an easy challenge. Then when you think you just might have gotten it right you find out the hard way that it also contains ingredients derived from sources that your very sensitive tummy is not looking for… You want whole food based, ideally.
Top Brands
- Mega Foods Baby and Me
- Garden of Life
- New Chapter
- Seeking Health
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 Photo Courtesy of New Chapter |
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 Image Sourced From Whole Foods Market |
12) HydrationNeeding to drink an abundance of water is common knowledge. However, when you are vomiting it can be difficult to drink water, knowing that it is just going to come back up.When suffering the symptoms of hyerpemesis gravidarum, the excess of vomiting not only leads to severe dehydration but also an severe lose of electrolytes. Drinking water would be swell and all, but if you are in a way where even your own saliva makes you gag, water is probably just not going to cut it alone. |
Most commonly known for electrolyte replacement are many popular sports drinks. For women and families who take great care in what they are consuming, the bulk of the ingredients found in the average store bought sports drink can be kind of scary. Especially after there business practices are researched and an understanding is gained about the manner in which the electrolytes are sourced. Most people are not aware that most electrolyte replacement products on the market today source their electrolytes from aborted fetal cells. See related articles and documentation. Then do your own research. Knowledge, not ignorance!
Coconut Water is one of the best electrolyte replacement sources.
Coco Hydro
- A high performance electrolyte drink mix made from certified organic coconut water powder.
- Mineral rich Bali sea salt and ionic trace minerals added to the formula to aid in extreme workouts. (Growing a baby is a pretty extreme workout now!)
- Fortified with Ionic Trace Minerals from the Great Salt Lake
- Made from certified organic coconut water
- Coconuts sourced directly from over 6,000 farmers
- Available in Lemon-lime, Original, Pomegranate-Raspberry & Pineapple
If you are able to manage with water alone, I would encourage you to invest in a good quality water filter which filters out chlorine and fluoride, if applicable to the water supply where you live. Fluoride is actually a poison. Steam distilled water is the best method but it can be costly upfront, yet saving hundreds in the long run, while saving your kidneys and other organs in the process. Bottled water is never a positive source. Again I encourage you to do your own research, Youtube even has full length documentaries on bottle water companies such as Nestle Pure Life.
The information contained in this Article has not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or otherwise. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician, Midwife, or other health care professional, but rather as a platform for further education and research on your part. It is always advised to discuss your health care decisions with your Care Provider, personally.
Reference Resources and additional Readers
Heart and Hands: A Midwifes Guide to Pregnancy and Birth
Modern Essentials a Contemporary Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils
Everything Essential
Wishgarden Herbal Remedies
Sea-Bands
BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board
Redeeming Childbirth: Experiencing His Presence in Pregnancy, Labor, Childbirth, and Beyond
Hyperemesis Gravidarum In Pregnancy – Symptoms And Treatments
American Pregnancy Association – Promoting Pregnancy Wellness
New Chapter – Prefect Prenatal
doTERRA
Watch, Learn, Grow – Angie Tolpin
Big Tree Farms – Coco Hydro
Benefits of Essential Oils Throughout Pregnancy, Labor and into Postpartum
