Once symptoms of HG have begun, it can be difficult to imagine facing the months ahead of you. It can be helpful to have strategies to get through each day, one step at a time. These Tips + Tricks from HG survivors may it easier to get through the day-to-day.

Education

Read as much about NVP and HG as you can - visit our page of Useful Links for good, knowledgeable sources of information. Become an expert in what’s happening to your body and then educate your partner, children, parents, friends, co-workers and other caregivers. Yes, even your doctors may need you to provide them with further reading. Knowing what to expect from HG, what might trigger or exacerbate your symptoms or what medications might provide relief can help you feel in control and capable of handling this illness.

Keep a diary

A diary can help you track your symptoms, weight loss, food and water intake, bowel movements and urine output, medication schedules and anything else relevant to your condition. If and when you decide to go to ED, or check in with your GP, this will be crucial to them understanding your condition.

Rest

Many sufferers of severe NVP and HG find that regular rests are key to managing their symptoms. This kind of nausea is similar to motion sickness, where keeping still can offer a slight reprieve from the sickness. Overexertion and tiredness can also exacerbate symptoms so it’s important to avoid this as much as possible.

Vitamins

You are encouraged to take a multivitamin that contains 400 micrograms of Folic Acid daily during pregnancy. However, some brands may exacerbate your HG symptoms - you may even find it difficult to swallow the tablet. This is something important to raise with your obstetrician, midwife or GP so that alternatives can be investigated. Low iron is a common side effect of pregnancy so, you may be encouraged to take a supplement to improve it. Again, this can be something that worsens your symptoms and should be discussed with your care provider so alternatives can be arranged.

Triggers

Many sufferers find that certain things trigger their symptoms or make them worse. Try to avoid anything that heightens your nausea, or induces vomiting. Common culprits are strong smells, bright lights or television and phone screens. Keep a list of your triggers handy and share it with anyone you spend time with. Avoiding these triggers is the best way to combat their effects.

'Safe' foods + drinks

You may have periods of the day where your symptoms lessen enough that you can eat or drink certain 'safe' things. Frozen Coke is often the only drink women find tolerable - but anything 'fizzy' or with bubbles is generally easier to tolerate than flat water. Your 'safe' food and drinks may be junk food but don’t feel guilty about that. Eating something 'unhealthy' is far better than eating nothing at all.

Bladder control

It’s no secret that during pregnancy your bladder suffers - having a baby dancing on it for nine months will do that! Don’t put yourself under more pressure by trying to hold it in - especially during periods of intense vomiting. Relaxin, a hormone produced during pregnancy, wreaks havoc on your bladder and control can be particularly difficult to maintain while vomiting. So be kind to yourself and remember, wetting your pants is common in pregnancy - so don’t worry if you do!

Build a 'Sick Kit'

It’s often impossible to avoid leaving the house even on your sickest days. It can be incredibly stressful to leave the safety of your home, especially if your vomiting is not controlled. A good way to combat some of this anxiety is to build yourself a 'Sick Kit'. Put some of the following items in a bag and keep it in your car, so that you can grab it when you’re on the go and feel prepared in any situation.

• Wet wipes or tissues for cleaning your face and hands (or any vomit spills)

• Sick bags like these for a discreet and mess-free place to be sick

• Disposable nappy bags to stash the mess when you’re done

• A bottle of water to rinse your mouth

• Mints or other sweets to get rid of the aftertaste

• Spare packets of medication (if you’re using any) so you don’t get caught out

• Hand sanitiser for feeling extra cleaned up

• Spare undies or panty liners if you’re struggling with bladder leakage