Is hyperemesis genetic?

[Ebonythoughts]

Hi all,

This might sound like a strange question but is hyperemesis genetic or are there any known links? I ask because I am the youngest of 4 sisters and all of my sisters have had it in their pregnancies and my mother said she had it badly too. I am 7+4 weeks and have had consistent nausea amongst other symptoms but thankfully no vomiting yet but I’ve been anxious since finding out and still very anxious that the vomiting will kick in soon and then it will be horrendous. One my sisters started vomiting from 9 weeks and continued through to her 3rd trimester. I’m praying there are no genetic links and also hoping for a little reassurance. This is my first pregnancy.

There is a genetic link, but that doesn’t mean that you will have it. The positive way of looking at it is that you should be able to access help quicker than if there was no history. There are various medications you can try, so don’t get discouraged if the first one doesn’t help.

I don’t think so. Of the people I know who had it, their mothers and siblings never had it.

PS I should have added - DD was diagnosed with HG and had awful sickness for the first 12 weeks, but felt much better after that, so even if you do have it, you may not suffer much longer

I think there is a genetic link yes

Thank you all for responding. Nausea has definitely kicked in full swing now and it’s horrid. I almost wish I could vomit for some relief but then I saw what my sisters went through and wouldn’t want that either. I spoke to the midwife and she said hormonal levels may have some genetic influence making me more prone to it but that doesn’t necessarily mean I will get the same level of severity so I’m just praying it remains at this level or gets better. I don’t like taking tablets so I’m reluctant to ask for some medication. Are there any other alternatives for managing nausea?

I had it with my 2nd but not my first so I didn't make that link. Maybe it depends on the baby