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HG Awareness Day

Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a severe pregnancy condition marked by relentless nausea and vomiting. Unlike typical morning sickness, HG can lead to significant weight loss, dehydration, and malnutrition, often requiring hospitalization.

Body & Health Healthcare Women35

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Position your healthcare or wellness brand as a compassionate partner in maternal health by amplifying HG awareness and supporting affected women through education and community resources.

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Share real patient stories of HG survival and recovery to normalize the condition and reduce stigma
Partner with the HER Foundation to co-host a virtual webinar on HG symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options
Create educational infographics debunking HG myths vs. morning sickness for healthcare providers and expectant parents
Launch a donation campaign where proceeds support HG research and maternal mental health resources

History

Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Day began in 2012. The HER Foundation, a nonprofit group, launched it to spread understanding.

Kimber MacGibbon and Ann Marie King, who both suffered from this condition during pregnancy, created the foundation in 2003.

Their personal experiences shaped their mission. They wanted better support, more research, and earlier diagnosis for others going through the same pain.

Before starting the group, Kimber had already built a website in 2000. It gave people a place to learn, share, and feel less alone.

That small site became a trusted source for those searching for answers. As more people joined the conversation, the need for a specific day grew.

With the foundation’s help, HG Awareness Day took shape. Each year, it shines a light on a condition that many still don’t understand. HG is not just bad morning sickness. It can be life-changing, and sometimes even dangerous.

Now, this day helps connect patients, families, doctors, and researchers. It sparks conversations and encourages care. Around the world, people use the day to speak up, educate others, and offer comfort. Thanks to two determined women, many voices are finally being heard.

Their work continues to reach more people every year.

How to celebrate

Share Personal Stories

Opening up about HG experiences can provide comfort to others. Whether it’s a blog post, social media update, or conversation, sharing helps build understanding. Your voice can make a difference.

Support Fundraising Efforts

Consider contributing to organizations like the HER Foundation or Pregnancy Sickness Support. Donations aid in research and provide resources for those in need. Every contribution counts.

Educate Your Community

Distribute information about HG to friends, family, and local groups. Raising awareness can lead to better support for those suffering. Knowledge empowers communities.

Participate in Online Events

Join virtual gatherings or webinars focused on HG. These events offer insights and connect you with others who understand the challenges. Engagement fosters solidarity.

Offer Direct Support

Reach out to someone dealing with HG. A simple message or helping hand can provide immense relief. Personal connections matter.

FAQ

How is hyperemesis gravidarum different from typical morning sickness?

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy that leads to weight loss, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and difficulty with normal daily activities, and it often requires medical treatment such as IV fluids or hospitalization. Typical morning sickness is usually milder, improves as pregnancy progresses, and does not cause significant weight loss or clinical dehydration. Clinicians may diagnose hyperemesis gravidarum based on persistent symptoms plus findings such as ketones in the urine, abnormal lab values, or inability to keep food and fluids down.

What are the main treatment options for hyperemesis gravidarum?

Treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum often includes dietary and lifestyle adjustments, followed by anti‑nausea medications when symptoms are more severe. Common options include vitamin B6, doxylamine, antihistamines, dopamine antagonists such as metoclopramide, and serotonin antagonists such as ondansetron, used alone or in combination when appropriate. Many patients also need IV fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte disturbances, and some require nutritional support through enteral or parenteral feeding if oral intake remains inadequate.

Does hyperemesis gravidarum pose risks for the baby?

When hyperemesis gravidarum is recognized and treated, most pregnancies result in healthy babies, but unmanaged or very severe cases have been associated with complications. Studies report links with low birth weight, small‑for‑gestational‑age infants, and preterm birth, particularly when maternal weight gain is poor or symptoms persist into later pregnancy. Careful attention to hydration, nutrition, and medical monitoring helps reduce these risks, and clinicians typically follow fetal growth and maternal weight closely in affected pregnancies.

Can hyperemesis gravidarum affect a person’s mental health during and after pregnancy?

Hyperemesis gravidarum can have a substantial psychological impact because of persistent symptoms and disruption of daily life. Research has found higher rates of anxiety, depression, and post‑traumatic stress symptoms during and after pregnancy among those with hyperemesis gravidarum compared with those who have typical nausea and vomiting. Professional organizations recommend screening for mental health conditions in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum and offering counseling, social support, or psychiatric care alongside physical treatment.

Who is more likely to develop hyperemesis gravidarum?

Risk factors for hyperemesis gravidarum include having had the condition in a previous pregnancy, multiple gestations such as twins, and molar pregnancy. Some studies also describe a family history of severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, which suggests a possible genetic component. Hormonal and gastrointestinal factors are being investigated, including associations with high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin and thyroid changes, although the precise cause appears to be complex and multifactorial.

What is the chance that hyperemesis gravidarum will recur in another pregnancy?

Recurrence of hyperemesis gravidarum is common, although reported rates vary by study and population. Observational research and patient surveys indicate that a substantial proportion of people who experienced hyperemesis gravidarum in one pregnancy will have it again, sometimes with similar or greater severity. Because of this, clinicians may discuss preconception planning, close early monitoring, and starting anti‑nausea treatment promptly in subsequent pregnancies for those with a strong history of the condition.

How can someone with severe pregnancy nausea prepare for a medical appointment?

A person with severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy can track how often they vomit, what foods or fluids they can keep down, any weight changes, and signs of dehydration such as dark urine, dizziness, or reduced urination, then share this information with a clinician. Bringing a list of current medications, previous treatments, and questions about anti‑nausea drugs or IV fluids can help guide the visit. If symptoms remain severe, discussing referral to an obstetric specialist may be appropriate.