Is It HG? Why Your Body Is Rejecting Food & Medically Approved Next Steps

If you're pregnant and feel like your body is "rejecting" food — constant nausea, repeated vomiting, inability to keep even water down — you may be wondering: Is it HG?

HG (Hyperemesis Gravidarum) is a serious medical condition that goes beyond typical morning sickness. While nausea and vomiting are common in early pregnancy, HG is different in severity, duration, and impact on your health.

This guide explains how to recognize HG, why it happens, and what medically approved next steps look like — based on current clinical understanding and guidelines.

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What Is HG?

Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting that can lead to:

• Dehydration
• Weight loss (usually more than 5% of pre-pregnancy weight)
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Difficulty functioning normally
• Inability to keep food or fluids down

Unlike typical morning sickness, HG is not just "feeling sick in the morning." It can happen all day, often beginning around weeks 4–6 of pregnancy and sometimes lasting well beyond the first trimester.

In serious cases, hospitalization may be required for IV fluids and medication.

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Why Does HG Happen?

The exact cause of HG is not fully understood, but research points to several contributing factors:

1. Hormonal Changes

Pregnancy hormones rise rapidly in early pregnancy, particularly:

• hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
• Estrogen

Higher levels of hCG are strongly associated with HG. This is why HG is more common in:

• Twin or multiple pregnancies
• Molar pregnancies

2. Genetic Factors

HG tends to run in families. If your mother or sister had HG, your risk is higher.

3. Sensitivity to Smells and Taste

People with HG often experience heightened sensory sensitivity, making food intolerable.

4. Gastrointestinal Sensitivity

Some research suggests delayed stomach emptying or increased gut sensitivity may contribute.

HG is not caused by stress, emotional weakness, or something you did wrong.

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HG vs. Morning Sickness: How to Tell the Difference

Here's how typical nausea differs from HG:

Morning Sickness	HG
Mild to moderate nausea	Severe, relentless nausea
Vomiting 1–2 times per day	Vomiting multiple times daily
Able to keep some food down	Unable to keep food or fluids down
No weight loss	Noticeable weight loss
Improves by week 12–14	May persist beyond first trimester

If your body truly feels like it is rejecting everything — even water — that's not typical morning sickness.

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Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

Seek medical care promptly if you experience:

• Signs of dehydration:
  • Very dark urine
  • Urinating less than 3 times per day
  • Dizziness when standing
• Rapid weight loss
• Vomiting blood
• Confusion or extreme weakness
• Inability to tolerate fluids for 24 hours

HG can become serious if untreated. Early intervention makes a major difference.

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How HG Is Diagnosed

There is no single test for HG. Diagnosis is based on:

• Symptoms
• Weight loss
• Urine testing for ketones (a sign of starvation/dehydration)
• Blood work to check electrolytes

Your healthcare provider may also rule out other conditions, such as thyroid disorders or gastrointestinal problems.

If you're experiencing severe pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting but aren't sure if it rises to the level of HG, Ubie's free AI-powered Hyperemesis Gravidarum symptom checker can help you understand your symptoms and prepare informed questions before your next medical appointment.

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Medically Approved Next Steps for HG

Treatment depends on severity. The goal is simple:
Protect you and your baby by preventing dehydration and malnutrition.

1. Early Medical Treatment

Doctors may recommend:

• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
• Doxylamine (often combined with B6)
• Prescription anti-nausea medications such as:
  • Ondansetron
  • Metoclopramide
  • Promethazine

These medications have been studied in pregnancy and are commonly used when benefits outweigh risks.

Do not suffer in silence — early medication can prevent hospitalization.

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2. Hydration Support

If you cannot keep fluids down, you may need:

• IV fluids
• Electrolyte replacement
• In some cases, short hospital admission

This is not a failure — it is appropriate medical care for a medical condition.

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3. Nutritional Support

If vomiting is severe and prolonged:

• Nutritional drinks may be recommended
• Tube feeding (rare but sometimes necessary)
• In extreme cases, IV nutrition (parenteral nutrition)

These interventions are used to protect both maternal and fetal health.

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4. Monitoring

Your provider may monitor:

• Weight
• Urine output
• Electrolytes
• Mental health (HG can increase risk of anxiety and depression)

HG is physically exhausting and emotionally draining. Support matters.

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Can HG Harm the Baby?

When properly treated, most pregnancies with HG result in healthy babies.

However, untreated severe HG can increase risks such as:

• Low birth weight
• Preterm birth
• Nutritional deficiencies

This is why early medical care is essential.

The reassuring truth:
With modern medical management, outcomes are generally good.

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Practical Steps You Can Take Now

While medical treatment is key, these strategies may help alongside professional care:

• Eat very small, frequent meals
• Try bland foods (crackers, rice, toast)
• Sip fluids slowly throughout the day
• Use electrolyte drinks if tolerated
• Avoid strong smells when possible
• Rest — exhaustion worsens nausea

However, if nothing stays down, do not rely on home remedies alone. That is a sign you need medical support.

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When to Speak to a Doctor Immediately

Speak to a doctor urgently if:

• You cannot keep fluids down for 24 hours
• You have signs of dehydration
• You feel faint or weak
• You are losing weight
• Vomiting is worsening instead of improving

HG is a serious medical condition. It deserves medical attention — not dismissal.

If you suspect something more than typical morning sickness, trust your instincts and speak to a doctor about anything that could be life-threatening or serious.

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The Bottom Line: Is It HG?

Your body rejecting food during pregnancy is not normal if:

• You are losing weight
• You cannot stay hydrated
• Vomiting is frequent and severe
• You feel unable to function

That may be HG, not morning sickness.

The most important message is this:

• HG is real.
• HG is medical.
• HG is treatable.
• You deserve care.

If you're experiencing these symptoms and want to better understand whether you may be dealing with Hyperemesis Gravidarum, a quick online assessment can give you helpful insights to discuss with your healthcare provider.

Most importantly, do not delay speaking to a doctor about any severe or worsening symptoms. Early treatment protects both you and your baby.

You are not overreacting. And you are not alone.