Never ending ALL DAY sickness

[sprite25]

I'm coming up to 7 weeks and feel so guilty, as both me and OH wanted a baby so much but now its happened I feel so miserable. I feel extreme nausea ALL the time, broken up with the odd bout of dry retching and so far only actually been sick once (sorry if TMI) which relieved it for an afternoon only. A list of things I've tried, alone and all together: Ginger ale, Ginger biscuits, sucking hard mints, acupressure bands, fresh air, lots of rest, eating little and often including nibbling something before getting out of bed in the morning, Gaviscon (in small recommended doses), sipping water, doing something to try and distract myself..... so far no miracle cure, in fact it just seems to be getting worse to the point where I don't think I can manage to go to work tomorrow as I can barely get out of bed to go and take a bath never mind being on my feet all day running around after impatient customers (as I would be at work). I had my first appointment with my midwife today and although she was nice, apart from suggesting some of the things I've already tried, she didn't really seem to have anything too helpful or reassuring to say my OH is trying to be as helpful as he can but at the moment I feel as though no one could understand how miserable and literally ill I feel, I have my fingers, toes and everything else crossed that I will be one of the lucky ones where it eases of at around 12 weeks but even that seems a million years away

[Blankiefan]

I can't suggest anything you've not tried already but I wanted to give you some hope... I'm 11+4 and my morning sickness finally eased this weekend. It may seem like an age away but it will end eventually - and it feels soooo good when it does...

Another nice thing about it going is how relieved/happy my DH is that I feel better. You can see all over his face how happy he is that I'm getting back to my usual nonsense-filled self - and that is so sweet.

In the meantime, I feel your pain (not that that helps much, I know)....

[Gracie123]

Sorry sprite, that sounds awful
There are things that can be prescribed for severe morning sickness (cyclizine, promethezine) but they have side effects and possibly consequences for your baby, so they aren't going to prescribe them if you aren't actually vomiting (take it from someone who was sick 15-20 times a day for 43 weeks!!!)
I finally got the good stuff in my second pregnancy, but reading the literature that came with it and signing disclaimers for the consultant was horrible.
The best thing I can suggest is preggy pop drops which gave me some relief. I think you can get them on amazon?
Try getting more than one flavour. I used them a lot, and one flavour becomes sickly after you've had too many!

[Gracie123]

Ice and jelly are really good ways to get fluids if you find water is 'bouncing'

[Quilty]

I was exactly the same so you have my sympathy!
Am afraid there isn't a lot you can do except ride it out and it's so miserable! I felt the same guilt because I wanted to be happy but I just felt so fed up, can honestly say it was probably the lowest I've ever felt! I had it from 6 weeks to about 14 weeks but everyone is different!

You just have to find what works for you to get through it. I could never let myself get the slightest bit hungry as that would make me start throwing up even if my stomach was empty. Eat little and often, just have what ever you fancy and keep hydrated! Sleep when your body is telling you to. It will get better!

[Bumbolina]

With my first pregnancy I was sick at least twice a day for first 12 weeks. With this one (am 9 weeks) it is a bit better. The things I learned from my first were to force myself to eat and drink, especially before you have even thought about sitting up in bed - scoff a few crackers. Wotsits are brilliant at covering up that foul nausea taste in your mouth, and good to take to work.

But most of all - as much as semester 1 sucks you'll be in semester 2 before you know it looking at scan pictures, feeling kicks and growing a bump. Don't feel guilty for feeling like shit though - it doesn't mean you want the baby any less... it just means you feel like shit!

[HotSoupDumpling]

Sprite, you seem to have tried most recommended things. Just wanted to say that I felt similar to you - so unwell every waking minute that I couldn't do much, couldn't plan much baby stuff, could not visualise how I would survive the week much less reach the end of the tunnel!

But each day passing is a day closer to slowly feeling better and better. My tip is not to assume you'll magically be fine at 12 weeks. Recovery can be a really gradual thing, but it is great - like feeling sunshine on your face after a long winter!

[sprite25]

Thanks everyone, it does actually help having other peoples words of support. As I said earlier I've tried everything I can think of and have been looking at capsules of ground ginger but some people have said they are not recommended during pregnancy :S I cant say for sure but I think the acupressure bands may be making it worse. I was sick earlier again this evening and each time I've actually been sick I've been wearing the bands but might just be a coincidence. I know it sounds awful but it kinda helps knowing there are others out there who are going through the same kind of hell, makes you feel not so alone :)

[racmun]

I'm 10 weeks and have been feeling wretched although yesterday and today have been marginally better.

Ginger biscuits and mints have made me feel worse. I have found the following quite good at easing it:-

Raspberry Yop drink
Salt and vinegar squares crisps
Dry Cheerios
Pitta bread toasted with butter and marmite
Grapefruit for breakfast
Full sugar coke frozen into ice cubes and suck them

As you can see not very healthy I can't go near a salad leaf - urghhh the thought makes me gag but I've just gone with the flow

It will pass!

[HumphreyCobbler]

are you managing to keep hydrated? Extreme nausea can cause dehydration as well as constant vomiting. If you are not managing to eat or drink due to nausea then you could get some ketostix from the chemist in order to test your urine for ketones.

It is vile, I really sympathise. I would add that for those suffering with hyperemesis there ARE drugs that can help that do not have consequences for your baby.

[sprite25]

I understand what you mean, when we were TTC I had the idea in my head that throughout the pregnancy I would eat a healthy, balanced diet but I had noooo idea of how tough being pregnant can be and there's only a certain amount of foods I can bear to even be near never mind eat! Even things like yoghurt and healthy cereal bars that I used to enjoy turn my stomach. But I guess if we all knew before the first time how bad we could end up feeling then no one would ever do it! lol.

[SeriousStuff]

sprite I promise you, it will pass.

I had non-stop nausea for 6 weeks and I was incredibly miserable. I had a meltdown one day, sobbing to my DH that I didn't want to do this anymore, and I had already decided that this would be our first and last child. But suddenly, on Good Friday, I woke up and it had completely disappeared!

I'm now 15+3 and I'm actually getting excited about it all - finally! I have more energy, my appetite is back and then some and by bump is growing.

What helped for me was drinking regularly (couldn't stomach water so was on Ribena!) and eating little and often. Eating really helped the nausea but was mindful not to stuff myself so spreading meals out a bit meant I had a constant supply. I also slept a lot - mainly because I was exhausted but also because it meant less time awake and aware of my nausea...

[littlemonkeychops]

Aw sprite i feel for you, it's awful isn't it - had it for DD1 and DC2 (now 35 weeks). Keep trying different things and you might stumble across things that help (salty crisps, toast and super noodles for me!). Forget trying to be healthy, bubs will be fine and plenty of time for healthy stuff later.

Just hang in there, every day that passes is one day nearer to feeling better. Don't feel bad moaning!

[wakarimasen]

I'm feeling exactly the same. Didn't have any sicknesses at all with my first and now I can barely leave the house. I'm moving house on Friday so I have to keep going but really just want to hide!

Hopefully the next six weeks will pass quickly. . .

[Cheffie100]

Bless you weeks 5- 9 were really bad for me and then it got lots more manageable- it will pass I promise. Keep smiling

[supergreenuk]

I was the same. The only thing I can say is it isn't forever and when you start to get better you will start to forget how rubbish it was. Try to keep busy to keep your mind off it. I found it was worse with my second but because I had to keep going for DD I got through it better.

[embaker112]

Hi, I totally get how you're feeling! You're not alone. My GP prescribed me something to help manage my severe nausea, just so I can eat and drink a little more. Have you thought about trying taking vitamin B6 twice a day? It didn't work for me, but does for many women. Also, I know this is probably the last thing you will want to do, but try going for a really long walk with a friend or DH. I got to the point where I would take food with me and be able to eat only on my walks as that was when I felt at my best. Worth a try. But if you are becoming dehydrated do go to see your doctor, they might be able to help (think it depends on the doctor). Good luck! And I really hope you feel better soon. Keep going :)

[tequilacream]

Really feel for you. My nausea continued until nearly 18 weeks. Dreadful...
What worked for me was mainly eating protein and not so many carbs.
So small quantities of chicken (other meat) with vegetables or cottage cheese. Generally small quantities of food and often.
Tomatoe juice helped for a while. Also water with lemon juice. Tang fastics, but they are full of sugar, so had to watch how much I was eating. Continental cheese or davidstow cheddar.
Ritz crackers also helped.
As far away from ginger for me as possible as was making me more nauseous.
It will pass and you will worry (for a very short while) that it has.

[sprite25]

Its so nice reading the words of support everyone has. I called in sick to work today which I thought maybe I didn't need to do as I felt slightly ok this morning but then it got to half 11 and I was so sick it felt like I had pulled all the muscles in my stomach :( last time I was sick it brought me some relief for the afternoon but today I just went back to feeling awful about half an hour later. I honestly dont know how much more I can take I feel exhausted and so so sick like ive never known before I just feel like crying but feel like if other people can manage feeling like this and carry on with everyday living then me having a meltdown would be kinda...pathetic :(

[Smerlin]

I really sympathise- I have been feeling terrible from 6.5 weeks until now (14 weeks) BUT there has been a gradual improvement. A lot of people told me it would disappear at 12 weeks which it hasn't for me but when I compare how I feel now to how I did at 7 or 8 weeks, there is an improvement. At 7/8 weeks there were very few foods I could tolerate- basically just plain carbs, no fruit and veg, little protein, all unhealthy stuff which is very unlike me. Now I am working towards a more balanced diet, have fewer days when I feel nauseous from beginning to end, don't throw up every single day any more... Still have these things every 2-3 days but that is more bearable.

Find out what your triggers are as well- for me I will be sick if I get the tiniest bit hungry or if I am overfull or if I'm too tired so try to avoid those things.

Eat what you can, not what you feel you should. If you go off the idea of something when it actually arrives in front of you, just leave it, don't force yourself. HTH!

[wispa31]

hiya
you have my sympathy too! ive been unlucky with hyperemesis which ended up with a hospital stay. currently taking cyclizine from ive been in hospital and im probs going to have to take them for the duration :(
i was recommended to take ginger capsules along with vit k as it apparently works better (this is actually from ob/gyn so not a crackpot suggestion.)
or, someone else has suggested the actual stem ginger itself (the fresh stuff you can by in shops).

[alienbanana]

The only thing that works for me at the moment is stuffing my face. I'm eating 4+ meals a day and it's the ONLY thing that keeps it at bay... but then I get it back in the middle of the night. Ugh .

[LadyMedea]

Hey sprite make sure you check out the hyperemesis thread as you'll find lots of sympathy.

If I were you I would see your doctor. Not eating and drinking is potentially very dangerous and I went on medication in your position. Nt a miracle cure but closer to coping.

[sprite25]

Hey all its me again, so I was so bad last night I ended up seeing the emergency doctor, she's given me buccastem to take (the ones that disolve under your lip) I tried one last night and can't say I noticed much improvement as I woke up about an hour later feeling really rotten. I'm calling in sick to work again today but I have to go back tomorrow which if im honest feels abit terrifying as I dont know how im gonna cope being on my feet when all I've been able to do since Sunday is stay in bed. It might just be that all this is getting me down but I honestly feel more ill then I ever have and am scared that I dont know when it will stop :(

[EddieVeddersfoxymop]

I was vomiting 20+ times a day when I was pregnant with DD....tried all the meds, was in hospital, the whole bloody lot. What saved me was acupuncture - some folk say its a load of woo but seriously, I started having sessions once a week and after the first one I felt like I was walking on air. I had a clear head, no nausea, nothing! My GP made me sign a disclosure before I had the treatment, but seriously, it really worked for me.

[lljkk]

We all feel for you. It is horrible.

Only trial & error helped me figure out how to manage morning sickness.

I became lactose intolerant in all my pregnancies, so had to learn to avoid milk products. One pregnancy garlic always set me off & another pregnancy I did best eating garlic-full foods .

Keep your fluid intake up, that's the key thing right now.