By Shonelle Siegmann | Naturopath

Anyone who has experienced nausea and vomiting in pregnancy can attest to the misleading nature of the title ‘morning sickness’.

For many, morning sickness can last all day, often for most of the first trimester, and sometimes beyond.

For some, it doesn’t end until the baby and placenta are born.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum affects one to two per cent of pregnant people, causing debilitating nausea and vomiting for most if not all of pregnancy.

It is diagnosed when nausea and vomiting of pregnancy are extremely severe (up to 50 times a day in some cases), persists past the first trimester, or results in a weight loss of at least five per cent of the pre-pregnancy weight.

The condition is serious and can lead to dehydration and malnutrition of both mother and baby, as well as increased risk of weight loss and preeclampsia. Half of all mothers with Hyperemesis Gravidarum may also develop depression or anxiety.

Everyday tasks such as exercise, work, housework and caring for other children can become an impossible task. And the resulting loss of employment or shame around personal limitations can cause immense emotional distress.

The exact cause of hyperemesis gravidarum remains unknown, but the strongest evidence supports the involvement of the placenta and appetite hormone GDF15. There is insufficient evidence to support other theories of causation including hCG, Vitamin B deficiency, hyperthyroidism, gastroesophageal reflux, Helicobacter Pylori, psychological factors and carbohydrate metabolism disturbances. 

Medications are routinely prescribed to help manage the symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum, but they are not always effective, and some people may opt for a more natural approach.

In this article, I explore some of the naturopathic and holistic approaches to hyperemesis gravidarum.

Nutrients: Nutritional supplementation plays a key role in the management of hyperemesis gravidarum, to ensure adequate nutrient intake for the mother and growing baby.

Naturopaths and nutritionists can help to address individual needs, which may include iron, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, folate, magnesium, thiamine and DHA, among others. Studies have found therapeutic levels of Vitamin B6 can reduce nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.

Food: The mere thought of food can be stomach-churning for people experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum - but it can help. Research shows nausea and vomiting can be reduced by eating foods high in protein before bed and immediately upon waking.

Ginger has also proven effective for some people when taken at therapeutic doses. It is thought to act on the gastrointestinal tract to increase motility, and decrease stimuli to the chemoreceptor zone in the medulla which sends stimuli to the emetic centre of the brain.  

Chiropractic: Chiropractic care can be used to assist with a wide range of symptoms of pregnancy including Symphysis pubis dysfunction, back pain and nausea and pregnancy. The manual treatment of the cervical and thoracic spine has had up to a 95% success rate in eliminating vomiting in pregnancy.

Hypnosis: Hypnosis can be used in the settings of health and healing, including pain relief, overcoming addiction, and supporting labour and birth through hypnobirthing.

Hypnosis can also be used to induce deep relaxation and decrease sympathetic nervous system arousal. Studies have found the power of suggestion may help with symptom improved.

Herbs: Some herbs are not safe for use in pregnancy, which is why it’s important to work closely with a naturopath or herbalist when seeking herbal remedies for hyperemesis gravidarum. 

Energy Healing: Some people may like to explore the metaphysical and philosophical interpretations of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

Some people credit energy healing for addressing emotional and energetic disruptions between mother and baby, which they believe could contribute to hyperemesis gravidarum. This approach is not supported by medical science, but is a holistic option which may resonate with some. 

Prevention: Liver disease and elevated liver enzymes are common in people with Hyperemesis Gravidarum. This correlation is yet to be fully explored, but supports the theory that preconception liver detoxification may help to prevent or minimise severe cases of vomiting and nausea of pregnancy.

Studies have shown people with higher BMI are more likely to have abnormal liver function tests, and people with abnormal liver function test results are more likely to experience hyperemesis gravidarum. Liver detoxification is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it is an area to work on with your naturopath during your preconception care.

For personalised naturopathic support for Hyperemesis Gravidarum and pregnancy health, make a booking with Shonelle.

This article is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a health practitioner to discuss your individual circumstances. If you are experiencing severe dehydration, malnutrition, weight loss, weakness or other symptoms, please seek emergency medical care.