Pregnancy is not one size fits all…by any measure. And when it comes to morning sickness, there’s a wide spectrum of symptoms, from minimum nausea and vomiting in the first trimester to consistent, non stop nausea and vomiting throughout most or all of pregnancy. This type of morning sickness has a name and diagnosis: Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Unfortunately, HG is not a well known diagnosis, often missed and results in women suffering in silence due to lack of awareness or knowledge. Thanks to real moms, like Ariam Fesaha, who share their experiences, women are becoming more aware of HG and advocating for themselves with their families and healthcare providers.
In this feature, Ariam shares her experience and journey with HG in two of her pregnancies and how advocating for yourself is critical.

What exactly is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

Hyperemesis Gravidarum is severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.  The symptoms I experienced were uncontrollable nausea and vomiting. Unless I was sleeping, I did not get a break from the vomiting. 

At what point did you go to the hospital or know that this wasn’t just the usual morning sickness?

With my first HG experience, it took two weeks of being extremely sick before I saw a medical provider. The reason was, I would ask for an appointment and was told that maternity appointments start between 8-10 weeks gestation. I was 6 weeks pregnant and struggling to get out of bed.

When I finally saw a medical professional, my concerns were dismissed. I really did not get the attention I needed until I switched to a Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor that helped me successfully carry my baby to full-term. 

Tell us more about your story with HG and what type of treatment you received.

Of my three pregnancies, I was diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum in two of them. It’s difficult to share treatment because taking any type of medicine while pregnant is frowned upon. I experienced quite a bit of judgement and for that reason, I only share with people that are in a similar situation.

However, I will share that I did take medicine for my HG from the beginning until the end. Each HG pregnancy required that I receive twice a week infusion of vitamins, minerals and fluids to keep from becoming malnourished/ dehydrated.

Did you know about HG before getting pregnant? What were your thoughts, fears, concerns or hesitations when you learned you had HG?

I give thanks to Princess Kate Middleton, as crazy as that may sound. I learned about HG through her pregnancy. Multiple ER trips and Midwife/OB appointments and not one person gave me a diagnosis. I finally said, “I think I have HG” at one of my appointments, and the response was, “all that means is you are throwing up a lot.”

When I finally received a diagnosis, everything changed for me. I found great resources and a community of women that were experiencing or had experienced HG. Her Foundation was a vital resource during both of my pregnancies. They have extensive information for families, doctors and of course for women with HG.

I survived HG by the grace of God. There were so many times I thought that either myself or baby were not going to make it. At times, my amniotic fluid was extremely low, or I was vomiting so often that I would be hospitalized for days. 

I will say that my experience of HG the second time around was a lot better, and at that time I was living in Dubai. The medical staff at Mediclinic Parkview Dubai provided quick solutions and never minimized my experience. In the U.S., I spent more time trying to convince health care staff that something serious was going on with me. 

What do you want women in our community to know about HG?

I want women in our community to know that advocating for oneself is key. At times, I was too sick to have to explain what I was going through, but it was necessary for the survival of myself and my child.

Also, if you are not comfortable with your OB find another one. Even if you are in your last weeks of pregnancy. It is vital that you have someone you are comfortable with. You deserve good care. 

What are the limiting beliefs or resources about HG, both in our community and other communities?

I was often told to “just eat.” Family and friends would say, “Ariam, even if you throw it all up just eat a little for your baby.” This would infuriate me. I was not able to control my ability to eat or keep anything down.

I know those people meant well, but I would like to encourage learning about any condition a friend or family member is enduring. I would also suggest asking what is needed or how a person can help.

Is it a diagnosis that is commonly missed or under treated?

Absolutely. In my first HG pregnancy, I saw a few health professionals before I was taken seriously.

During my second HG pregnancy, I had the knowledge but even then, I was dismissed by the first OB I met. It took me landing in the ER before she realized the severity. I switched OBs after that hospitalization. I needed someone that would listen to my concerns.
That’s when I found an incredible doctor, Dr. Dalia Sikafi.

During my first pregnancy, I had only heard about Princess Kate having HG. Now that celebrities like Amber Rose and comedian Amy Schumer are/were diagnosed with HG it helps with providing awareness. I am really glad that both used their platform to share about the sickness.

You have been a voice for HG every time the topic is raised in our Habesha Moms community; thank you for speaking up and sharing your personal experience and resources with us.

 Thank you for asking me to share my experience. I hope I can help at least one person. Here are some resources that helped me: 

Helpher.org is a site with incredible resources. They also have a Facebook group that feels like a sisterhood and through that group, I received continuous support. 
Also a few pages on Instagram such as:

@hg.is.real
@hgmoms
@hgawareness