Is this really Morning Sickness??

Eat snacks, have crackers next to the bed, sip ginger ale, eat a bland diet, just get moving and it will pass.

This is just some of the “Free Advice” I got when I would share that I was struggling with morning sickness. I tried everything. I could not figure out how to get over this. What was wrong with me? Why was I so weak? I felt like a failure. How could I not get over this.

Moms have been overcoming morning sickness sense the beginning of time. Why couldn’t I. I tried to just push thorough. I finally got to the point that I couldn’t fake that I was okay anymore. I couldn’t keep anything down, not even water. I sat on the floor in my shower praying and crying. I needed help. This could not possible be normal.

I called my doctor, she admitted me to the hospital. When she came and saw me she new exactly what this was. Hyperemesis Gravidarum. After being admitted to the hospital and hydrated I started the rollercoaster of trying to get a handle on this beast. We tried oral medications (which didn’t work), an infusion pump that my body rejected and finally decided to put in a PICC line.

This started the long journey of bedrest, home healthcare (my home health nurse was a godsend) daily IV fluids, TPN for nutrition and regular shots to keep me from going in to labor. Not only was I struggling to keep anything down but my body kept trying to go into labor. I spent my whole pregnancy in and out of the hospital trying to overcome something that none of my friends and family could understand. Even with the PICC line I still got a lot of “free advice.”

It wasn’t until I was under 100lbs that my friends, family and coworkers understood that my “morning sickness” wasn’t normal.

So why am I telling you this? Well, because I know what it’s like to know that something just isn’t right, even though everyone around says it is.

Hey Mama, Don’t be like me and wait to ask for help.

Suffering in silences is not brave.

What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

Hyperemesis.org say that, Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a disease of pregnancy marked by relentless nausea and/or vomiting and sensory sensitivity.

HG can cause rapid weight loss, dehydration, malnutrition, and other serious complications. Severe and/or untreated HG puts the current and future health and wellbeing of both mother and baby at risk.

How do you know if its Morning Sickness or Hyperemesis?

Here is a short list of differences of morning sickness and HG.

Hyperemesis

Lose 5-20 lbs or more

Nausea and vomiting cause you to eat very little and get dehydrated if not treated.

Nausea is usually moderate to severe and constant.

Nausea and vomiting can last into late pregnancy

Causes severe dehydration

Morning Sickness

lose little to no weight

Nausea and vomiting rarely interfere with being able to get-adequate nutrition throughout the day.

You vomit infrequently and the nausea is episodic but not severe

Nausea usually subsides after 12 weeks

Does not cause dehydration

If you think your morning sickness may be something more then don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor or midwife.

Or perhaps you already have Hyperemesis – I want you to know you are not alone. I have been there, and I know how you feel.

If you have been diagnosed with HG, or you want more information on HG the HER foundation is a great resource. https://www.hyperemesis.org/ – they are a global organization that not only raises money for research but provides resources and support for mothers with HG. 

Mama, You are amazing and strong!!!

If you’re struggling, leave me a comment or send me a message. I would love to pray for you and send you some resources to help you. Support is the key to getting though this season.

You are not alone!