Kelsi Cabral’s experience with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges many women face during pregnancy. HG is an extreme form of nausea and vomiting that can severely impact daily life, as highlighted by Kelsi’s own journey through two difficult pregnancies.
Her first encounter with HG occurred while navigating COVID lockdowns in Melbourne. Initially mistaking her symptoms for typical morning sickness, she quickly realised things were severe when she began vomiting up to 15 times a day. Hospitalisation became necessary after she experienced alarming bouts of vomiting. Despite working from home, the relentless nausea and vomiting made her daily life extraordinarily challenging, leaving her little respite and no energy for quality time with her son Hudson.
The situation worsened during her second pregnancy with Ashton, where she faced hospitalisation 15 times within the first 12 weeks alone. The constant sickness not only affected her physically but also took a mental toll, leading to crippling anxiety about her frequent hospital visits. Kelsi often felt isolated and unable to engage in her usual activities, spending prolonged periods bedridden, with the simple act of caring for her child feeling monumental.
Throughout this ordeal, her husband took on the brunt of parenting responsibilities, leaving Kelsi feeling disconnected from her family. She struggled to maintain a relationship with her older son while also managing her health challenges. Medication provided some relief, but her reliance on hospital visits for fluids became increasingly distressing.
Kelsi eventually sought psychological support to process her experiences. Through therapy, she has come to terms with the complexity of her feelings surrounding motherhood—grieving the loss of a typical pregnancy while also feeling grateful for her two sons. She accurately reflects that while she cherishes her children, the physical and mental struggles of HG have left significant scars, prompting questions about her ability to consider a third child.
In sharing her story, Kelsi aims to raise awareness about HG—a condition not widely understood. She urges others to appreciate the profound difficulties women may experience while pregnant, revealing how external perceptions often overlook these challenges. Kelsi’s journey illustrates the need for better recognition and support for those affected by pregnancy-related illnesses, challenging societal assumptions and demonstrating the resilience required in the face of hardship.