Working with Hyperemesis Gravidarm HG?

[Areyouquitemad]

I'm only 6 weeks along and I have already lost 7 pounds, which seems a little much for morning sickness. I feel dizzy all day everyday, and I can't keep anything down. I've been taking sips of water, and if it's not freezing cold it makes me heave.

I tried some salted popcorns earlier and they made me gag.

I'm constantly exhausted and feeling faint. I have even tried ginger biscuits etc and nothing is okay. The only thing I'm doing okay with is a banana but I wouldn't dare taking it before evening time (when things are a small bit easier).

I have taken 2 weeks holiday but how am I going to keep a job like this? I have only been there 9 weeks

What's more, we're bloody skint and I can't afford not to work right now, but it's impossible.

What to do, what to do?

[Twinklelittlestar1]

I totally feel your pain, it's so difficult to function when you feel like this. I'm 7 weeks pregnant too and experienced much the same as you, being sick constantly and not keeping anything down all day, just miserable.

I think you really should go to your doctor. There are lots of medications which are safe to take in pregnancy and are taken by lots of women to help them to be able to function through the day and keep hydrated.

I also found the pregnancy sickness support line a real help.

[Twinklelittlestar1]

024 7638 2020 Is the number for the helpline. They can give you advice about work, medication and support.

[Corabell]

You need to go to the doctor and get medication to help you through this. Pregnancy sickess is serious and if you have lost that much weight already you need medical help.

There is a hyperemesis support thread with very knowledgeable posters who have survived dreadful HG.

I managed to work during my 1st pregnancy with HG when I was medicated. It was hell. This time around I was signed off from 6 weeks to 24 weeks and am fortunate to do a job with excellent sick pay. I appreciate many people don't have this.

I would strongly advise you to see your GP or your early pregnancy unti before you get sicker.

[curlywurly4]

Definitely see your GP about medication. The earlier you start it, the more effective it's likely to be. I was off work for 10 weeks with HG this time. There's just no way I could have worked through it.

[Reebok]

Please get yourself signed off...it's impossible to work with hg in the early stages..I'm on my 4th hg pregnancy...2nd child though and I couldn't work either time until at least 16 weeks and even then it was a phased return. Please get yourself on medication too and come on over to the hyperemesis support thread...it's full of wonderful women you can rant to and who will give you great advice and support because we are also going through the same thing. Please don't suffer in silence.

[Areyouquitemad]

Right, I'm making an appointment with my GP so he can advise of mediation and hopefully sign me off.

I'm wondering though if I could lose my job for this, as I've only been there 9 weeks

[Corabell]

If you inform your work that you are pregnant and that your illness is pregnancy related you have some protection under the equalities act regarding your sickness record.

[MummyBex1985]

You can't be sacked because of a pregnancy related illness. It's discrimination.

Take the time you need and try not to worry.

[Hellohellohowareyou]

I was signed off sick for 3 months then put on reduced hours for the remainder of my pregnancy, no way I could have driven to work let alone actually work/make the decisions I have to for my job.

As others have said pregnancy related sickness cannot be used against you for any disciplinary reasons. Just make sure your GP writes it's pregnancy related on your FIT note.

As for meds, they didn't really work for me an I still needed IV treatment and anti sickness injections at hospital but they really do help.

Please make sure your GP takes you seriously and doesn't fob it off as 'just' morning sickness. This happened to me in my first HG pregnancy, luckily the second time they believed me quicker!