Hyperemesis Gravidarum and the Family
Early in pregnancy, hyperemesis gravidarum is often mistaken for morning sickness. The family is often disoriented by the severity of the symptoms. Contrary to what some might think, hyperemesis gravidarum is a genuine illness. It's a complication of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. It's characterized by severe, persistent nausea and vomiting that leads to malnutrition, dehydration, weight loss, and many other symptoms resulting in loss of autonomy, bed rest, and sometimes multiple hospitalizations.
Without appropriate treatment, the condition can have serious consequences for both the mother and the unborn child.
How to Help?
1. Validating her pain
Pregnancy is often perceived as a smooth journey, filled with numerous stereotypes of the radiant, healthy, glowing pregnant woman with perfect skin and beautiful hair. Often, the co-parent experiences pregnancy vicariously, and no one imagines their partner lying in bed with a vomit bowl.
Suffering, in any form, deserves to be heard and acknowledged. In the case of hyperemesis gravidarum, many mothers are not validated in their suffering.
Some inadvertently try to reassure by saying, "Pregnancy is not an illness," "You wanted this, now deal with it!", "You are stressed by your pregnancy," "I also had morning sickness," "It's psychological," and many other phrases that stigmatize the mother.
These comments can create a deep sense of shame and guilt, intensifying her isolation and distress.
Initially, don't rush to find a solution; instead, offer empathetic listening. Let her know that you hear her pain, that you understand she's experiencing a difficult illness, and that you are there to support her no matter what happens or what others might think.
Once she's been able to share her physical and emotional distress with you, then you can support her like the best cheerleader!
2. Medical Support
It's important to seek medical help to alleviate the symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum. No medication cures this illness, but some treatments can reduce the severity of the symptoms. If she encounters a doctor who denies the illness, blames her, or suggests inadequate solutions like ginger infusions, dry biscuits, waiting until the end of the first trimester, etc., we recommend seeking a second medical opinion promptly or contacting the ambassador in your region, who can provide the name of an HG-friendly doctor.
3. Hospitalization
During the peak period, even with an appropriate protocol, the symptoms can be very disabling, and only hospitalization will bring some comfort to the mother and boost her spirits. This hospitalization should not be refused or feared. Mothers are admitted to an emergency department or maternity ward for hospitalization. They receive intravenous rehydration through IV drips. They also receive one or more IV treatments and a cocktail of vitamins. When the symptoms become manageable, the mother can return home.
The association disapproves of forced fasting, confinement in the dark without any stimuli, and refusal of visits, unless it's a request made by the mother without external influence.
4. Nursing Care & Midwives
Some general practitioners and/or gynecologists agree to prescribe home nursing care. This allows the mother to receive, for example: rehydration drips, intramuscular injections of medications when oral intake is impossible. Nurses can monitor her physical condition by checking parameters such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and conducting blood tests, etc. This allows monitoring of the mother outside the hospital setting and rapid scheduling of hospitalization in case of sudden deterioration of the general condition or poor parameters.
Some midwives can provide home care for obstetric monitoring, medical surveillance, and/or birth preparation.
5. Close Caregiver
The expectant mother is overwhelmed by her hyperemesis and finds herself bedridden and losing autonomy. You assist her with certain daily tasks. So, you provide physical and moral support. You can contact the social service of your health insurance to inquire about the procedure to obtain the status of a close caregiver. This status recognizes the support you provide to the mother, and some health insurances grant benefits related to the status. Inquire about this.
Be careful not to confuse the close caregiver status with the "Close Caregiver" thematic leave.
6. Seeking Help
Don't hesitate to ask for help from your families, friends, etc. This allows for a relay system to ensure a constant presence at home, attendance at various medical appointments, grocery shopping, pharmacy visits, etc. When this is not possible, you can ask for the assistance of home care providers such as family assistants and social domestic helpers.
A doula can also provide emotional support during this challenging period.