05/10/2025
May is Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Month. 1 out of 3 HG pregnancies do not make it to term. I suffered with HG through 2 out of 3 of my full term pregnancies. I feel lucky to have delivered my babies safely and healthy, though not without complications. My first pregnancy consisted of traumatic interventions during a 4 day labor due to having polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid). In my most recent pregnancy, my son stopped moving the day I turned 37 weeks— exactly full term. I noticed immediately something was wrong and made a call to my midwife. Upon seeing her I was relieved to hear his heartbeat on the monitor, but was quickly told that I needed an urgent c-section. An outcome far from what I imagined, especially after my second pregnancy, which was HG free, and resulted in a low intervention and unmedicated birth.
The cyanotypes you see are made from my own hair— hair that I made the decision to cut during my latest struggle with HG. After being unable to get out of bed for more than a few minutes for many weeks, my hair became tangled and matted, and I was simply unable to take care of it. A close friend came to my house and cut nearly 18 inches of my hair off in my kitchen, taking breaks to let me be sick, sometimes even holding the bowl for me.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum is real. It deserves attention and research and support. The HER Foundation is in its 25th year of advocating for and providing support to those who have experienced HG. Please consider sharing or donating to raise awareness and fund research to find a cure.
www.hyperemesis.org
*Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is defined as a potentially life-threatening pregnancy disease that may cause weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and debility due to severe nausea and/or vomiting, and may cause long-term health issues for mother and baby(ies).
