What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a complication of pregnancy in which women experience extreme levels of nausea and vomiting. Unlike regular pregnancy sickness which affects around 70-80% of pregnant women to some degree and is considered a normal, if unpleasant, part of pregnancy, hyperemesis is not normal and can be potentially life-threatening without adequate treatment. Hyperemesis is estimated to affect 0.3-3.6% of pregnancies with approximately 3,000 hospitalisations annually in Ireland.

"HG made my pregnancy horrendous and almost unbearable. I considered termination for a very much wanted pregnancy, hard to fathom as I hold my daughter in my arms. I was extremely depressed. One of the most difficult things has been the real possibility that we will not have another child, as the likelihood is I would suffer with HG again. Anyone who dismisses HG as 'morning sickness' has clearly never been through it." - Lizzie, Dublin

As well as surviving HG itself, patients also face increased risk of complications. It is our mission to ensure early access to best-practice treatments and support for HG patients in Ireland. Read more about us here. 

If you are a HG patient - start here.