Understanding Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Exploring the Many Causes and What May Help
If you’ve been struggling with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), you know that it goes far beyond just a little morning sickness. HG is a serious, often debilitating condition that can cause extreme nausea and vomiting throughout pregnancy, leading to dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, and a sense of deep frustration. As someone who personally dealt with HG and multiple hospitalizations, I know how overwhelming it can feel to be unheard and unsupported during this challenging time.
What I want you to know is that you are not alone. There are many ways you can support your body before, during, and after pregnancy to make this journey a little bit easier. This post will go beyond simple suggestions and offer real, holistic strategies to help manage HG, whether you're struggling now or preparing for future pregnancies.
What Causes Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
While hormonal fluctuations are the most common culprits behind HG, there are many underlying factors that can contribute to the condition, including histamine intolerance, gut health issues, genetic predisposition, nutrient deficiencies, and emotional stress. Let's break down these causes and explore what you can do to support your body through them.
1. Hormonal Changes (hCG, Estrogen, and Progesterone)
Cause:
The rapid increase in hCG, estrogen, and progesterone during early pregnancy can trigger nausea and vomiting. For some women, these hormonal shifts lead to an exaggerated response, resulting in HG.
What You Can Do:
Before Pregnancy:
Optimize your hormones by focusing on healthy lifestyle practices like balancing blood sugar, managing stress, and maintaining a nourishing diet. Reducing any existing hormonal imbalances before pregnancy can help prepare your body for the changes ahead.
Increase liver support by consuming liver-supporting foods such as leafy greens, beets, and turmeric. A healthy liver helps process excess hormones and toxins.
During Pregnancy:
Small, frequent meals: Instead of three large meals, try eating smaller portions throughout the day to avoid blood sugar crashes that can exacerbate nausea.
Acupressure: Try using acupressure wristbands (like those used for seasickness) to help reduce nausea. The P6 point (located on your inner wrist) has been shown to help manage nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.
Hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking electrolyte-rich fluids (think coconut water or herbal teas). Adding lemon or mint can help calm nausea and boost hydration.
After Pregnancy:
Support your liver and gut health through digestive bitters, probiotics, and liver detox foods to help your body recover from the stress of HG.
2. Histamine Intolerance
Cause:
Increased histamine levels, especially in women who are sensitive to histamine, can exacerbate nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues. Histamine intolerance may result from pregnancy hormones, leading to an overload of histamine that causes digestive distress.
What You Can Do:
Before Pregnancy:
Focus on reducing histamine-rich foods in your diet, such as aged cheeses, fermented foods, and processed meats. Balancing your gut health can help prevent an overload of histamine.
Support your liver with milk thistle, dandelion root, and ginger, which help the body detoxify naturally.
During Pregnancy:
Eat fresh, whole foods that are naturally low in histamine. Focus on lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and gluten-free grains like quinoa and rice.
Anti-inflammatory herbs like ginger and turmeric can help calm the digestive system and reduce histamine-related symptoms.
Consider and ask your healthcare provider about a histamine digesting supplement with DAO.
After Pregnancy:
Support your gut health with probiotics to ensure your body’s histamine regulation is functioning optimally. Probiotics like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium can help reduce histamine production in the gut.
3. Gut Health and Digestion
Cause:
Gut health is essential to overall well-being, and a dysregulated gut can cause severe digestive issues like nausea and vomiting. Leaky gut, intestinal inflammation, and an imbalance in gut bacteria may contribute to HG symptoms.
What You Can Do:
Before Pregnancy:
Support your digestive health with a gut-healing diet, focusing on bone broth, fermented foods, and prebiotic-rich fiber (like onions, garlic, and leeks).
Eliminate food sensitivities: If you have known food sensitivities or intolerances (like gluten or dairy), eliminating these from your diet before pregnancy may help reduce digestive stress.
During Pregnancy:
Probiotics: Consider incorporating probiotics into your routine (under the guidance of your doctor), especially those that support digestive and immune health.
Digestive Enzymes: Gentle digestive enzymes (taken with meals) can help support your digestion and nutrient absorption.
After Pregnancy:
Leaky Gut Repair: Continue supporting your gut with collagen, bone broth, and fermented foods to heal the gut lining.
Stay hydrated: Water, herbal teas, and electrolytes are essential for replenishing fluids and supporting digestion during postpartum recovery.
4. Stress and Emotional Health
Cause:
Emotional stress and past trauma can trigger or exacerbate HG. High levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) can make nausea and vomiting worse, creating a cycle of physical and emotional discomfort.
What You Can Do:
Before Pregnancy:
Work on managing stress with relaxation techniques like mindful meditation, deep breathing, and gentle movement (yoga or walking). This will help calm your nervous system and prepare your body for pregnancy.
Seek mental health support if you’ve experienced past trauma. Therapy can help release emotional blockages and reduce anxiety.
During Pregnancy:
Practice mindfulness daily to help reduce stress and stay connected to your body. Deep breathing exercises (like 4-7-8 breathing) can help lower cortisol levels and ease nausea.
Gentle exercise such as walking or swimming helps release tension and improve circulation, reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
After Pregnancy:
Prioritize self-care to help recover from emotional and physical strain. Simple activities like taking a warm bath, journaling, or getting outside can help support your emotional health as you heal.
Seek professional support (such as a therapist) if you find that postpartum depression or anxiety is impacting your recovery.
5. Nutrient Deficiencies
Cause:
Nutrient deficiencies, especially in magnesium, zinc, B6, and folate, can worsen HG symptoms and interfere with your body’s ability to heal and maintain balance during pregnancy.
What You Can Do:
Before Pregnancy:
Focus on a nutrient-dense diet rich in leafy greens, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins. These foods will help build up nutrient stores for pregnancy.
Consider taking a prenatal vitamin with B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc to support your nutritional foundation.
During Pregnancy:
Magnesium-rich foods (like spinach, avocados, and pumpkin seeds) help support your nervous system and reduce muscle cramps and nausea.
Zinc-rich foods (like chickpeas, lentils, and beef) help support your immune system and digestion, potentially alleviating nausea.
After Pregnancy:
Continue nutrient support with foods high in magnesium and zinc to restore balance and aid in postpartum recovery. Healing your body nutritionally can help reduce the risk of postpartum depression and support milk production.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Managing Hyperemesis Gravidarum
If you’re struggling with Hyperemesis Gravidarum, know that you’re not alone, and there are many things you can do to support your body before, during, and after pregnancy. By addressing potential hormonal imbalances, gut health, nutrient deficiencies, stress, and emotional health, you can begin to reduce the severity of HG and start the healing process.
At Root Nutrition & Wellness, we offer a holistic approach to health that includes personalized guidance, nutrition, stress management, and mental wellness support. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Are you struggling with Hyperemesis Gravidarum? Or perhaps you're looking to prevent it in future pregnancies? Apply for 1:1 today for personalized support, and let’s work together to create a healthy and empowered pregnancy journey.
