Hyperemesis

I was sick at least 5 times a day for the first 24 weeks of my first pregnancy (even with the Reglan). It started at about 6 weeks. I lost nearly 20 pounds (but really I could afford to lose it) when most people gain that much in the first half of pregnancy. It was HORRIBLE. Luckily, I was fortunate enough to not have had to work at that time, because I have NO idea how people work when they are that sick when pregnant. I know I could not have.

I am now pregnant again (7 weeks) and I am dreading that it might happen again. So far so good though, only a little nausea at night after my DD goes to bed.

I am glad to hear that I am not the only one. None of my friends were that sick when they had their kids, so they all ask me nearly every day now (at least the ones who know) how I am doing and do I want them to come watch DD for me if I get sick like that again.

ME TOO!!! All 3 times I was hospitalized multiple times. My sickness lasted lasted 6-8 months ea. pregnancy. On pregnancy 3 I was near suicidal I told my doctor. My quality of life was zero. (A bit dramatic I know) He FINALLY gave me a drug called ANZEMET!!!!! MIRACLE!!! Totally safe during pregnancy it is actually a level 3 cancer drug. It helps chemo patients w/ nausea and hyperemesis. But it literally changed my life. I was at last able to LOVE being pregnant. Good luck sweetie.

I had the same thing, even ended up in the hospital with my first pregnancy. I found things that helped, but nothing that really worked. I tried ginger tea, sucking on lemons, eating small doses of protein, wearing the seasickness bracelets, prayer . . .

The constant oh-my-God-did-I-just-get-off-a-whirling-carnival-ride-and-could-I-die-now-please nausa lasted about 4 months. I continued to throw up at least once a day until I was 7.5 months pregnant with my first child. With my second son, I vomited right up until I went into labor -- and even during labor some.

For my third child, I only experienced a little nausea as the plane took off from JFK on it's way to Bucharest to bring home our adopted son.

During my first pregnancy, I swore that I would never ever get pregnant again -- then Chris was born and I realized just how wonderful it was to have a baby. So when he was two, we got pregnant again (after all, each pregnancy is different, right?)

During my second pregnancy, I went one better. I swore to God that not only would I never get pregnant again -- I'd never had another baby. I was so sick of being sick . . .

I was oh so smug in my decision to never be pregnant and never bring home another baby. I thought I was done with two. And I knew adoption was never going to happen: babies are too hard to find in America. And who in their right minds would spend 15-25K to adopt something that might be damaged when I could make a perfect one from scratch? Two boys, that was it.

Then my husband and I went to a marriage enrichment conference. Someone casually mentioned adopting internationally and suddenly, the another-kid-hunger swallowed us again. Eighteen months later, we brought home our son.

Yes, we spent 17K.

Yes, he turned out to have chronic issues (autism, MR, speech problems, turret's, adhd . . .)

Yes, we could have made one from scratch.

No, I didn't get pregnant again.

No, I didn't bring home another baby (he was 3.5 yrs)

Yes, I love him just the same and would do it all over again (pregnancy or adoption) if I felt that my family was missing a member.

So don't resign yourself to having only three kids. God has mysterious ways of adding additional blessings.

PS. My first two boys look JUST like me: hair color, skin tone, eye color, etc. My third son (the adopted one) looks JUST like my husband: hair color, skin tone, eye color, etc. So much like my hubby that we've actually argued with strangers about whether or not he is adopted!

i had it with my 2 of my pregnancies and i took zofran.

<Raised both hands> YES! I had severe hyperemesis! I have 4 children, and have had it with the last three. The last two pregnancies were actually the hardest ones I've ever had to deal with. My third child my doctor contracted me out to have a home service come for 24 hour running IV. I used to carry a backpack if we went anywhere, with an IV bag in it, so I can be mobile. I actually couldn't eat hardly anything. I was on all the meds that you are on, but were through my IV bag because I could NOT take anything orally, or else it would just come right back up. I even had my vitamins put in my IV bag. You should talk to your OB doctor about doing this. I can honestly say, there really isn't an easy way out. The difference for me, was even though it was extremely difficult, I got through it through prayer! I said to myself every day, today is the day I'm going to feel better. Imagine if I never said that, then I'd just say I feel bad, and just feel worse. Another thing I did was sit there and sort of think about a food that I might like to eat, sort of sit there and imagine me eating it. Then I'd get it, try a bit of it. If I liked it, then I would wait a few minutes and take another. But I had to do this really slowly so that it didn't come back up right away. My last pregnancy to my 4th, I had IV my whole pregnancy. Get rest, even when you're throwing up, just tell yourself, I feel great, even though you don't. I know that sounds stupid, but if I can get through it, you can do. If God did it for me, He will certainly do it for you! Remember, just pray! He'll get you through it!

Hello A.:

My midwife stated that emesis is not a normal pregnancy symptom, that it generally means the body is out of balance. I am not certain I completely agree with her; but who knows.

Three things to help you out.

First, get as healthy as you can get before getting pregnant. Nix the caffiene if you can (and if you consume it) and nix the sugars (and alcohol & smoking if you consume it of course). Have a regular exersize program that keeps you healthy. Walking or yoga are both really good. Drink plenty of water. I think you know the routine.

Second, when you are pregant, drink your water with fresh lemon in it. It must be fresh, not bottled. You will also want to keep nibbling on crackers or bread or fruit or cheese or whatever your body handles best.

Thirdly, the other thing that really, really helps with nausea, pregnancy or not, is ginger. Take some fresh ginger root (produce section of the grocery) peel about a one to two inch secion and thinly slice it (1/8 inch or so). Put the ginger into a pot with about 4 to 6 cups water. Bring to a boil, cover and lower to simmer. Simmer for at least 20 minutes. Then drink warm or tepid or cold depending on your preference.

I usually put the ginger water in a jar and it keeps for about two days in the refridgerator that way. It can be spicy, so you may wish to dilute it, maybe 1/4 ginger water to 3/4 plain water.

You can use the ginger water as a tonic too...It is fantastic as an anti-inflammatory (without the nasty side effects), good for the muscles, provides energy, and a feeling of well being. It is supportive to the body (some claim it supports the immune system -- I do not know) It also has no known interactions with any medications, is gentle, and pregnancy safe. Very good for other tummy upsets too.

If you have any question about ginger, or concerns, talk to your doctor, naturalpath, midwife, herbalist, or even the healthfood store specialist. There is also a wealth of information on the internet, but be sure to always go to trusted sources.

Hope this helps.

Hey A.,

I did not officially get diagnosed with hyperemesis, but was deathly ill throughout my first trimester, and am still somewhat sick now that I'm in my second trimester (now at 18 weeks). I tried every natural remedy in every book - nothing worked. I hadn't known it was possible to feel so horrible in my own body. Couldn't work, talk, stand, eat, sleep, function at all. Complete misery. I finally begged the doc for meds. I would have terminated the pregnancy otherwise. Phenugren actually made me sicker. Zofran took the edge off the nausea enough to where I could force feed myself a little and struggle thru half a day of work. (It also gave me horrible constipation.) I am thrilled to be finally having a child, and very much looking forward to the experience of parenting, but I tell ya, I hate being pregnant. (I expected to love it, so this has been a real shock.) I would not do it ever again. Any future children will be adopted!

Peace,
JB

I am the same way when I am pregnant. The only thing that worked for me was accupunture. Atleast then I could get up and function, and even eat sometimes. It didn't totally take it away the nausea for me but it did make it so I could function and not throw everything up. I had to go 2-3 times a week. I hope that can help you!

I have experienced this with all 4 of my pregnancies, I do not know if you have tried this but I had to try and eat something a piece of bread a cracker anything every hour at least and this included the night time. I could not even sit up in the morning without at least having chokled down some dry crackers and layed there for 15-20 minutes. This seemed to help a little and I know this is really frustrating because the meds make you so tired which makes it hard to do everything, I have been there girl.All I can say is keep trying everything that you hear, any advise from moms that is not unsafe try something is bound to work. Good Luck.

Have you tried acupuncture? My friend tried when she was pregnant and it was the only that helped. Good luck!