I know what it’s like to take a test at 4 weeks pregnant because you haven’t been feeling good. It’s always my first symptom. Nausea. Vomiting. You can see it here in my eyes. I’m so happy, but so sick. I remember this feeling like it was yesterday (wasn’t it?). Looking ahead at the road I’m on; growing my fourth child, I know it won’t be an easy one.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a condition characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and electrolyte disturbance related to pregnancy. I’ve had HG with all four pregnancies and it is no joke. Weight loss, throwing up 8-15+ times a day, unable to keep anything down, multiple hydration IV’s and basically not-functioning for 20-25 weeks. I wish I could say there’s a cure for HG. Or something to make you feel better. But in my experience, there isn’t one thing that REALLY helps and it’s something you just have to get through. It’s HARD. Probably the hardest thing I’ve ever been through. The whole family suffers. And each pregnancy (for me) gets harder because you have more little people to take care of and more demands on you.
I don’t necessarily believe the journey into motherhood and growing and birthing our precious children is mean to be easy or without pain (if you’ve been here for a bit you know this about me) but if there is anything that can help, there’s no reason to suffer more than you need to.
I never found any one thing that helped too much but there are some things you can do to try and take the edge off. I tried hard to think of everything I’ve tried and the things I think are worth a shot. If this helps even one of you for one hour it will have been enough for me!
Things to try:
Unisom/B6 combo (make sure the Unisom is doxylamine NOT diphenhydramine.
Vetiver essential oil (incredible for restful sleep, massage a drop onto your feet every night before bed).
Slim N Sassy gum (the name is awful but it helped me take the edge off a bit when I was out and about. Also the peppermint touch and peppermint beadlets).
As always, please consult with a trusted HCP and don’t take this as medical advice.