What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
Most women will experience a level of morning sickness during their pregnancy, especially during the first three months. Hyperemesis gravidarum is more extreme than being sick once or twice a day. Women can find they are constantly sick, even feeling nauseous just thinking about eating and this can begin to impact on their health. Some will find it hard to hold simple liquids like water down and will possibly need hospital treatment.
If you are concerned you are experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum in Hertfordshire, it is very important to see your GP or health advisor as the symptoms can be an indicator of many different illnesses, please do not diagnose yourself.
So what are the symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum? These can include:
- Severe or prolonged vomiting.
- Persistent severe vomiting leading to weight loss and dehydration, as a condition occurring during pregnancy.
- Nausea when thinking about food.
- This will occur in approximately 0.5 – 2 % of pregnancies.
If you’re one of those 0.5 – 2 % you can rest assured that you don’t have to suffer alone without respite. Knowing that you have to eat can bring on waves of nausea which can put you off even trying. Having an empty stomach can also make the symptoms worse, perhaps you have experienced:
- Dizziness
- Extreme fatigue
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Fainting
Hyperemesis gravidarum has been highlighted in the news due to Kate Middleton experiencing it during her first pregnancy. The Duchess of Cambridge found hypnosis beneficial to reduce her anxiety around food which reduced the reaction she felt when it was necessary to eat.
I understand how stressful it can be to have to eat during a pregnancy, I experienced sickness daily during my own pregnancy and I know how hard it can be to force yourself to eat something you know you will see again. If only I had known Hypnotherapy could have helped!
How can hypnotherapy help?
Hypnotherapy can help by reducing your anxiety, especially around food and drink. As you think about eating you may find there is tension in your stomach or throat and this can be alleviated with hypnosis techniques which will allow you to eat in a relaxed, calm way without the added pressure of worrying about the food or the after effects.
Negative associations can be made while you are experiencing the sickness or nausea, hypnotherapy and NLP interventions can assist you to change these associations into more useful reactions. If you are watching a TV show when you feel the sickness coming you might then associate the show with the feeling so the next time you hear the theme tune you find your stomach begins to tense and feel that sense of impending doom. This association can be changed with the use of simple techniques that are easy to remember and enjoyable to practice.
Allow me to teach you techniques that will assist you in staying relaxed and calm even when experiencing sickness, reducing stress levels will also benefit your growing baby as prolonged stress can cause many different complications including developmental problems later in life.
If you feel this could be beneficial to you or someone you know please contact us today on 01438 358174 for more information or to book your appointment today.
