Tips for Support & Well-being

Welcome to our blog post on surviving pregnancy with Hyperemesis Gravidarum, morning sickness’ evil twin! We understand that this condition can be incredibly challenging, both physically and emotionally. But fear not, we are here to provide you with guidance, support, and practical tips to help you navigate through this difficult journey.

If you are currently suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, I will be completely honest. There is probably nothing I will recommend here that you haven’t heard already, and if your experience is anything like mine, it’s likely that none of it will help. What I hope for is that I can highlight a couple of things that made it less miserable, ways to stay nourished, and ways to make it a little easier on those supporting you through this journey. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Hyperemesis Gravidarum:

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of morning sickness that affects a small percentage of pregnant women. Unlike regular morning sickness, which typically subsides after the first trimester, hyperemesis gravidarum can persist throughout the entire pregnancy. It is characterized by persistent nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and weight loss.

I was six weeks pregnant when I found out that I was expecting, and within days, my body made sure I knew! Around three days later, I had aches and soreness all over my body, a more subtle version of the aches I had the first time I caught Covid. That went away about 48 hours later, but I would have my first taste of morning sickness.

I didn’t know at the time what lied ahead, but morning sickness was no stranger to me. I experienced it for the majority of my first two pregnancies. I’m not sure how long it took for the transition to take place, but it wasn’t long at all. Between week 8 and week 15, I had a total of 7 ER visits! When hyperemesis gravidarum hit, it hit hard!

The 6th time I went to the hospital, I requested to be admitted since none of the meds they’d prescribed me worked. The issue was that they never gave me food while there, so after giving me IVs, meds, and letting me rest, they’d ask “are you feeling better?”, and of course, I’d say yes. I’d be sent home, and as soon as I ate or drank anything (including water!), I’d be right back to square one. I believe I was given about 7 different meds during this time period.

My 6th visit was on July 19th, and my 7th visit was on July 20th. The final visit I took to the ER, I decided to go the a different hospital, Greenville, NC. Greenville is home to East Carolina University, and also what is now known as ECU Health (formerly Vidant). The hospital I’d been going to was one of the ECU Health facilities, but I figure I’d have better luck speaking to someone who could make a difference at Greenville.

After my visit to the hospital that refused to admit me, I prepared a grievance, and emailed it to the appropriate party.

2. Nurturing Your Body:

• Hydration: Staying hydrated is crucial when dealing with hyperemesis gravidarum. Sip on water throughout the day or try hydrating alternatives such as herbal teas or electrolyte-rich drinks.
  
  Pregnant or not, it’s very important that you keep yourself hydrated. Fluids keep things flowing as they should, and with your body working overtime to help nurture your growing baby, you want to ensure that you’re not causing any interruptions of necessary body functions.
  
  With hyperemesis gravidarum, you must work 10x harder to ensure you and baby are getting the nutrients you both need. Nothing was my friend, not even water. As a matter of fact, water seemed to be the catalyst for vomiting. What I found was that whenever I ate solid foods, any liquid consumed would push it right back up.
  
  The solution was I couldn’t eat and drink in the same sitting, I had to pick one or the other. Ideally, there would be a few hours in between eating and drinking (at least three). I still felt yucky when I ate. This helped me keep food down long enough to be broken down and provide the baby with what it needed.
  
  As all the medical professionals have told me, the baby is always going to get what it needs! I learned this the hard way!
  
  
• Nutritious Foods: Despite the challenges of eating during this time, it’s essential to nourish your body with nutrient-dense foods. Opt for small, frequent meals that are rich in protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
  
  Aside from the the expected symptoms, like nausea and vomiting, other things affect you such heightened sense of smell. This exaggerated hyperemesis gravidarum! Not only did the smell from my environment make me sick to my stomach, the internal taste and smell of the food I consumed did too!
  
  My household keeps lots of produce, and I was never short of fruit or veggies. Apples, pears, plums, peaches, grapefruit (my favorite fruit), bananas, and oranges are always readily available in my fridge or on my counter. Occasionally, strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, berries, and grapes.
  
  Citrus fruits, as you probably can imagine, were advised against due to acidity. Water-rich fruits, like watermelon, gave me this ‘full’ feeling. The problem with feeling full was that my food would sit right at the top of my throat, and all it would take was a hiccup, burp, or deep gasp of air before it all came back up.
  
  
• Supplements: Consult with your healthcare provider about appropriate supplements to ensure you’re getting all the necessary nutrients for both you and your baby.
  
  Standard with every pregnancy is the prenatal vitamin. B6 taken 3x daily, with Unisom at night was advised as one of several treatment options. Initially, it would seem these recommendations worked (for about the first three days), but honestly, I believe that was all mental.
  

The horrors of hyperemesis gravidarum stick with you. As a mother, you accept your fate, and do the best you can for your little one. I experimented with a variety of things, and nothing seemed to work. Honestly, I was miserable, sick, and ill every day until I reached weeks 15-16. I felt like shit, but I had the confidence that my baby was getting everything she needed.

I cried many days because I couldn’t enjoy my food, I felt like absolute shit, and I honestly felt like I wanted to die. Midway, I lost about 15 pounds in 1.5 weeks. Around this time my energy levels were depleted, I was dehydrated, and it was a struggle to even hold my head up straight. I was so weak, I felt like a zombie. and one day I slept for almost 11 hours!

Even now at 17 weeks, it’s still difficult for me to gain weight, and I’m below my pre-pregnancy weight. I do keep my food down now, and the misery is gone at last. I have a follow-up appointment in about a week now (two weeks from last appointment), and the goal is to gain at least 1-2 pounds. I have been fluctuating from 169 to 171, and I need to be at 171-172 to hit that mark.

3. Emotional Well-being:

• Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family members, or support groups who can offer understanding and empathy during this challenging time.
• Self-Care Rituals: Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s taking a warm bath, practicing meditation or gentle yoga, finding moments of self-care can help alleviate stress and promote emotional well-being.
• Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can provide an outlet for emotional release and reflection. It can also serve as a valuable tool to track your symptoms and identify patterns.

My fiancé has been superman throughout this ordeal, and my mother always pops up with surprises that help. We tend to focus on getting assistance pertaining to pregnancy, but support is provided in all kinds of ways. My mother is a couponer, so she frequently brings us household items, and lots of canned dog food that my dog loves! This helps us to focus more on my recovery and less time in stores shopping for things the household needs.

My family is always going on trips, and my children are always invited to tag along. With that support, my issues during pregnancy doesn’t hinder them from enjoying life the way children should, and I don’t have to feel guilty for not being able to be as active with my children as I want to be.

4. Communication with Healthcare Providers:

• Medication Options: In severe cases of hyperemesis gravidarum, medication may be necessary to manage symptoms. Discuss the available options with your healthcare provider to find the best approach for you and your baby’s well-being.
• Open Dialogue: Maintain open and honest communication with your healthcare providers about your symptoms, concerns, and treatment options. They are there to support you and provide guidance throughout your pregnancy.

I honestly believe that every medical professional did the best they could. Looking back, I can admit that now. I also feel that my last visit working so well was just perfect timing. Hyperemesis gravidarum naturally ran its course, and it just so happened that it was during my last stay at the hospital.

I also mentioned writing a grievance. At the time, I did not feel that I was being heard, nor that I was given the proper care and treatment. Were there things that could have been done better? Most definitely!

The ER I went to the first six times was busy most nights. As a result, they try to get you in and out as fast as possible. I never had food while there, so how could I truly know if the meds helped? I wouldn’t, until after the prescription was filled, I took the meds, and ate. After having the same results, the process would start all over again.

I do not regret the grievance, as it’s important that you speak up when you feel you aren’t being heard. So by the time I went to the hospital in Greenville, I had filed the grievance, researched the proper channels, and used this to my advantage when speaking with the doctor. Mind you, Greenville is the hub of ECU Health. My wait time to actually be seen was hours (I believe I waited nearly 3.5 hours in the waiting area) compared to the 15-30 minutes it took to be placed in a bed at the hospital I’d went to prior.

Every pregnancy is different, as are the solutions to pregnancy problems. I didn’t know if they would get it right, but I did appreciate the effort they put into trying. I spent the night there, and was discharged on my birthday (the following day). I felt great, I had a few meals during my admission to gauge effectiveness of meds, and everyone on my team was awesome. Every time a change was made, I was informed.

The nurses took the time to explain different meds, and how or why they worked in conjunction with others. They put me on a rotation of meds, and it seemed to do the trick. Included in my discharge paperwork was a list of ideal items for the type of diet I was on during my admission. I do not recall the diet (it was bland in nature), but it was absent of acidic foods, and other food items that doesn’t sit well with the woman experiencing any form of morning sickness.

5. Building a Support System:

• Partner Support: Lean on your partner for emotional support and practical help during this challenging time. Encourage them to attend medical appointments with you so they can stay informed and be an active participant in your care.
• Family and Friends: Share your experience with loved ones, allowing them to understand what you’re going through and offer their support. Accept any help or assistance they may offer, as it can make a significant difference in easing your burden.
• Online Communities: Connect with other women who have experienced Hyperemesis Gravidarum through online support groups or forums. Sharing experiences and advice can provide comfort and reassurance that you’re not alone in this journey.

Conclusion:

Surviving pregnancy with Hyperemesis Gravidarum is undoubtedly a difficult task, but remember that you are stronger than you think. By nurturing both your body and mind, communicating effectively with your healthcare providers, and building a strong support system, you can navigate through this challenging time with resilience and grace. Remember to prioritize self-care, seek help when needed, and embrace the journey ahead. You’ve got this!