Hyperemesis

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Does anyone know if you have to be actually vomiting to be diagnosed with HG?

I'm not one for thinking the worst of my symptoms but it has just occurred to me that I may actually have it. It's different to the usual morning sickness I've experienced in my other pregnancies.

I have severe nausea, I can't move without retching. I can't stand up because I'm dizzy and faint. I'm managing to eat a couple of crackers a day. I'm in bed yet again today.

I have the midwife on Tuesday so I don't want to call her unnecessarily before then. Please help!

Forgot to add, I'm 16 weeks with twins if that makes any difference

Hi OP, really sorry to hear you're going through this - it is just awful. In terms of an HG diagnosis this varies considerably depending on the health care professional you speak to, and there are certain signs they look for to diagnose such as ketones in urine due to dehydration and things like weight loss. But actually the diagnosis of HG doesn't really matter, what matters is that it sounds like your symptoms are really debilitating and preventing you from living your normal life - you are most probably also dehydrated, so you really do need some effective treatment asap. I suggest making an emergency appointment to see your GP, or a telephone appointment if you can't manage to get there. They should give you some anti-emetics - there are a lot that are safe in pregnancy so don't let them scare you if they start talking about risks (many are over-cautious). Don't let them fob you off with talk of natural remedies like ginger or sickness bands. The charity pregnancy sickness support have a website with loads of great advice and also a helpline you can ring.

Are you managing any fluids? Ladies with this often find sweet drinks more easy to stomach than plain water so something like coke or lucozade might be worth a try - I think icecream/ice lollies also saved my life! Also drinking small sips through a straw can help or sucking on ice cubes.

There is a hyperemesis thread on here too which is great for advice and support - none of the ladies on there mind at all about whether or not you have an HG diagnosis - it's really not important. There are varying levels of severity with this but it's all awful, you don't have to be throwing up 50 times a day to be completely debilitated by this - most of us would agree that the nausea is the worst thing.

Sorry for the long rambling post. I really hope you can get some support and treatment soon. You will survive this!