Recent news coverage has once again brought the plight of Princess Katherine suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum to our attention. HG is a chronic affliction that affects only 1% of all pregnant women and can be severely debilitating, even life threatening. So many people misunderstand HG and do not know how to support mothers who are suffering, so let’s look at HG in detail.

Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (NVP) is caused by fluctuating hormones and, contrary to the name, can occur at any time of day, but usually in the first twelve weeks before easing off as hormones level out. NVP is moderate in frequency and usually allows for normal eating and drinking throughout the day, with irregular bouts of vomiting, usually triggered by gag reflex in response to outside stimuli.

Severe and almost continuous vomiting

HG on the other hand is notably different, with severe and almost continuous vomiting; mum will find it near impossible to keep anything down, becoming dangerously dehydrated very quickly and necessitating in trips to the hospital for IV drip therapy.

Princess Katherine has twice suffered with HG, hence her cancelling engagements early on in the pregnancy and triggering the early release of what is ostensibly, highly private information. There is certainly an aspect of loss of control whilst suffering with HG and loving kindness, endless patience and encouragement will go a long way.

So how can you support a loved one with HG? There are things you can do to help, although nothing will alleviate her symptoms or her suffering. Practically you can help with life; cleaning the house, taking care of the other children (yes it can occur in second or third pregnancies and HG mums like the Princess can also choose to become pregnant knowing their HG risk – brave souls that they are), cooking for the family and ensuring she is kept comfortable at all times.

Prepare foods that she can tolerate and have them ready for her for when hunger strikes – often nowhere near a mealtime, yet that hunger window may be the only opportunity to eat for the whole day. Ensure water is always available and offer mineral water and iced water as options to ensure hydration is maintained as much as possible.

Friends and family can be a great support

The main prescription for mum is for rest, rest and more rest, so ensuring comfort is a must. Noise, lights, movement and smells can all trigger bouts of nausea, so be led by mum as to what she needs and when. Basically you need to be available, patient and ready to offer whatever assistance she needs, whenever she needs it.

Depression can be a big part of the journey as mum will inevitably feel overwhelmed at the thought of 9 months of nausea, so keeping mindful, staying present and taking each day as it comes can be vital aspects of living through the drama. Friends and extended family can be a great help in supporting the whole family whist mum is out of action and you may find ‘the village’ truly does come together to raise a child!