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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Hyperemesis Support

996 replies

LucindaE · 23/07/2019 15:09

I hope everyone suffering from the Horrors of Hyperemesis will find this thread useful as a source of support and information.
There's no TMI on here - can't be by definition - and nobody should feel ashamed of moaning as much as they feel the need to.
MOH's wonderful website is full of useful information on this illness:
sites.google.com/site/pregnancysicknesssos
Another invaluable website is:
www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk
If you need help in obtaining medication, phone them on:
024 7638 2020
Lastly, the NICE guidelines on treatment are useful:
cks.nice.org.uk/nauseavomiting-in-pregnancy
I would like to thank everyone who has given such invaluable support and advice on this and on previous threads.
It has been suggested that I add some practical tooth cleaning advice: a lot of sufferers find using a child's small toothbrush and strawberry toothpaste far less nauseating.
On my image of a pink castle: that is an image I use because when I was little, my family had a Snakes and Ladders board with an image on the last square of a pink castle in the clouds. As Hyperemesis is so like a grotesque version of Snakes and Ladders - eat a meal, go up a ladder, first thing in the morning bile run, down a snake - I have used the image of that pink castle on the last square of that Snakes and Ladders board as a metaphor for the happy end of Hyperemesis.
Remember when you are at your worst, 'This Too Shall Pass'. It really will.
So many women on this thread have thought they couldn't get through this, but they did.

Hyperemesis Support
Hyperemesis Support
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9
gmailconfusion2 · 17/11/2019 20:18

@melleebacca it's more I woke at the hospital I don't want to spent any more time there than I have to! I had query appendicitis three weeks ago and m-f then Friday night til 2am and most of Saturday, could barely bare to go back back Monday for work.

It's my first pregnancy, so wasn't really sure what was normal for the first two weeks, it was only when a third midwife said go ask for some medication I realised it might be worse than others. I'm praying it goes by 14 weeks and it's not really hg

LucindaE · 17/11/2019 20:51

gmailconfusion Welcome. Such bad nausea certainly sounds like Hyperemesis. I couldn't work out from your message if you are still at the hospital. Excuse my ignorance, but what is m-f? It is horrible being in hospital, but if you are still there, fluids will help a lot. Would the medicine you are on be Proclorperazine also known as Stemitil? Many find those helpful. Are they combiniong it with the Cyclizine? Don't despair, as most people see an improvement at some time between 14 and 20 weeks. I hope that the meds prevent you getting so ill again. Here is my normal spiel. Might an anti acid help? Some drinks and foods of a sort that have helped others: flat full sugar coke, ice lollies, the juice of tinned fruit, Lucozade, fizzy water, Elderflower water, Robinson's fruit drinks, fizzy orange, lemonade, Dr Pepper, Elderflower coridal and tonic water (eallison's tipple), 7Up, Iron Bru, soda water, ice cubes, chocolate milkshakes (maybe soya), cocoanut milk, orange squash and sips of orange juice if not too acid. Some foods of a sort: nibbles of chips and crisps, baked potatoes, cuppa soup, cheap ice cream, tinned fruit, slices of melon and mango, Scotch pancakes and biscuits. It might be worth investing in some kesostix if you don't have them already as while they are not the best test of dehydration for reasons that Melleebacca explains below, hospitals do take them seriously. Otherwise, watch out for inelestic skin, ie skin that doesn't spring back when pulled, dark urine, headache, etc.
Melleebacca Alas, poor you, with the vomiting starting it is discouraging, but at least you kept it at bay this long. You are a twice veteran and know you can come through it this time. Here are some Flowers and a Star for all the great advice for others.

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Bol87 · 17/11/2019 21:16

@gmailconfusion2 - it can still be HG and start to ease off at 14 weeks. Not everyone suffers with the severe vomiting the whole way through. I’m one of them. I started vomiting 15+ times a day from week 6 but this is my second & I knew exactly what to do. Straight to the doctor & onto ondansetron which is the strongest anti-emetic out there. I’m lucky in that ondansetron does stop most of the vomiting for me but it doesn’t touch the nausea what so ever. I spent the first 14 weeks feeling horrific. I was in hospital 3 times when I couldn’t keep the anti-sickness down and while I don’t love hospitals, I was so glad to be in there. The fluids made me feel human again, as did the IV anti-sickness!

From about 14 weeks, things have started to get better for me. I know I’ll likely feel nauseous the whole way through, I did last time but 90% of the it’s bearable and I can eat a relatively normal diet again without worry! I’m still on anti-sickness & antacids but I’m not so worried, thankfully baby is looking a’ok Smile My daughter from my first HG pregnancy is a happy, healthy toddler!

Sending lots of love, it’s so so tough in the early days but the HG diagnosis is actually helpful. It gets you the right treatment & to be taken seriously by medics, friends, family!

abbs1 · 17/11/2019 21:19

Is anyone else struggling to bond with their baby?
HG has taken such a toll on me and I'm only nearly 21 weeks. I had my 20 week scan last week and baby was being a bugger so have to go back for rescan in a couple weeks. I found out we are having a little boy even though I had hoped for a girl but I'm thrilled now and feel a bit more bonded knowing the sex.
I just still feel so nauseous all the time even with all my medication and cant sleep well at night that each day seems such a struggle so I'm not enjoying being pregnant at all. I just want my little boy in my arms and knowing I'm only half way is making it really hard. I feel I just want to cry.
Is there any way I can try to make it better? I never knew pregnancy could be so difficult having such bad HG.

Pastnowfuture · 18/11/2019 10:35

@abbs1 Hi. I can't offer much advice but I feel similar so please don't think you are the only one. This is my first. I'm 17 weeks and not knowing when/if these symptoms will ease is one of the worst parts.

If by bonded you are talking about an overwhelming love/joy/closeness that some mum's seem to feel for their unborns then don't worry not everyone feels this way. I luckily have some good friends who were very open about this with me before I got pregnant. Some got a 'woosh' of these emotions at the birth but for other the attachment took much longer to build. I think the ways a bond is built during pregnanacy is definitely made even harder by HG. I care about this little bump and like you knowing the gender helped but I mostly feel ill and miserable which makes it impossible to feel joyful and excited.

Melleebacca · 18/11/2019 16:57

@abbs1 Yes. This is number 3 (yes, I’m crazy!), and the sickness means I never feel “pregnant”. Even looking back, I’ve always referred to the time as “when I was sick”. But I now have two beautiful girls who I love more than anything. The bonding will happen naturally, with some people it’s during pregnancy, some it’s at the birth and even with some it can take a few weeks after the birth. All normal. Knowing the gender has helped with mine as then I can imagine the future and name them earlier. So that even though I’m sick and feeling like I’m dying, I can have an idea of what life will be like. Hope that helps?

@Pastnowfuture I’m sorry to hear that at 17wks you’re still feeling awful. Hopefully you’re gradually getting some relief. And it’s great you have such open and honest friends!

@Bol87 Same boat here. Nausea till birth. But I will also have food aversions till then. Literally the week I give birth is my foodie dream. I’m going to eat all the food! I’m contemplating getting my mum to come for a week to hold the baby while I cook a feast every night.

Coping ok here. Got a scan on Friday, just to check everything is ok as I’m having a lot of painful cramps, no bleeding so I’m just getting them to check if there are any cysts that could be causing the pain or if it’s just digestive issues. The girls seem to be ok with their new routine, although they’re getting more tv time than I would like.

Bol87 · 18/11/2019 20:01

Ahh @Melleebacca - my food aversions are chocolate and cake 😱 it’s breaking my heart.. I’m counting down to both baby & the biggest slice of chocolate you’ve ever seen!

@Pastnowfuture - I don’t really ‘bond’ overly much with my bump. I do think a huge part is because I just hate pregnancy & feel so awful, it’s hard to feel joy in general! My first pregnancy, it really worried me. I also didn’t get this huge whoosh of love upon first sight either.. I think I was mostly in shock after a difficult labour! But that bond comes, for me I remember she smiled at me a few weeks in and I suddenly realised just how much I loved her! And now she’s my absolute world!

This pregnancy, I feel similar but I’m not worried. I think I feel a tad more excited this time, as I know what’s coming! But I’ve only felt that recently as I’ve started to feel a bit better myself!

I’m coming up 23 weeks & when I got to 20, I just kept thinking, I’ve done the really hard slog 20 weeks & while it went slowly at the time, it’s done! Now it’s 20 slightly easier weeks & then awful pregnancy is over! Christmas as a distraction, then count down to maternity leave.. we’ll get there!

LucindaE · 18/11/2019 20:29

abbs1 Pastnowfuture Melleebacca Bol87 etc Great advice from everyone about bonding, and how it varies between mothers.As others say, some bond deeply in pregnancy, (and it is much easier for those who feel healthy), some at birth, and others a bit later but we all get there naturally. I was ill after giving birth and had no energy and didn't bond immediatly either, but it all came in due course. I read some very sensible advice at that time. 'Act as if you love the baby, and the love will come'.
Bol I am so glad that the nausea is bearable, though enduring.

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Nic165 · 18/11/2019 20:49

Hi, I hope it's ok if I join. I'm 11 weeks and have just been discharged from hospital today. Went in yesterday severely dehydrated after not keeping anything down for 24 hrs. I was given odanestron and 4L of fluids via IV. They sent me home today even though I am still feeling sick and vomited the toast they gave me. I have a prescription for cyclizine which I need to get from GP tomorrow. Has anyone had any success stories with cyclizine? I'm so exhausted. Also really concerned this is affecting my baby.

Melleebacca · 18/11/2019 22:26

@Bol87 I ate chocolate about half an hour after giving birth to number 2 (it was pretty much the only thing in my hospital bag), and it was so amazing! My midwife got all freaked out about the sugar rush I was having and didn’t let me out of her sight.

@Nic165 you’re welcome to join! Although it’s not a group people enjoy being in. The key thing to remember is that baby is a very effective parasite. It takes what it needs from you, and leaves you feeling malnourished and crummy. So you need to make sure you’re hydrated, and getting as much nutrition as you can stomach. I lose about 6kgs at the beginning of the pregnancy, so by the time I give birth, I’m only about 5kg over my pre-pregnancy weight, but I have still had healthy, average sized babes.

Nic165 · 19/11/2019 09:09

@melleebacca that's great your babies were happy and healthy. Just makes you so worried cos I couldn't even take my pregnancy vitamin never mind keep some food down. Hoping the cyclizine takes the edge off at the very least. Also thinking about getting a 2 week line from the Dr for work as I honestly can't even think about commuting to and being effective in work right now

Whatnext11 · 19/11/2019 15:09

@Nic165 cyclizine seems to be working g for me at the moment, also was signed off work - if you felt this ill normally you wouldn't be at work I bet, it's only because it's pregnancy that makes you think you should struggle in. That's what I reckon anyway.

Melleebacca · 19/11/2019 17:06

@Nic165 I can’t take my pregnancy vitamin either. I take it until I can’t anymore, then I wait till I’m getting better and start taking it again. In the 3rd trimester my midwife starts freaking out about my low iron, and I had iv iron infusion last time around.

I’m a SAHM. After getting signed off for 4months with my first pregnancy, the guilt was too strong to do that to the company again, and I will return to the workforce in a couple of years when I can guarantee no more sickness. It’s a hard balance between working when sick, and resting enough to get better.

Whatnext11 · 19/11/2019 18:48

I've found some pregnancy vitamins easier than others. Pregnacare made me sick, seven seas I could manage but made me gag sometimes. Tesco own brand I find easier. I think the difference is the coating. On a bad day I just take folic acid as it's a tiny tablet, on a really bad day I haven't managed either. Hope that's helpful, but cyclizine should take the edge off.

LucindaE · 19/11/2019 22:09

NIc165 Welcome. I am sorry you feel so bad. Cyclzine has helped many, but if it isn't for you after a few days, don't hesitate to go back and ask for other meds. There are various ones and combinations that they can offer. A good anti-acid can make a big difference. Try not to fret too much about the baby, they are effective parasites and tend to take all the nourishment, which is one of the reasons you feel so bad. So long as you can keep reasonably hydrated, they are unlikely to suffer. Don't despair, as most people see an improvement at some time between 14 and 20 weeks. I hope that the meds prevent you getting so ill again. Here is my normal spiel. Some drinks and foods of a sort that have helped others: flat full sugar coke, ice lollies, the juice of tinned fruit, Lucozade, fizzy water, Elderflower water, Robinson's fruit drinks, fizzy orange, lemonade, Dr Pepper, Elderflower coridal and tonic water (eallison's tipple), 7Up, Iron Bru, soda water, ice cubes, chocolate milkshakes (maybe soya), cocoanut milk, orange squash and sips of orange juice if not too acid. Some foods of a sort: nibbles of chips and crisps, baked potatoes, cuppa soup, cheap ice cream, tinned fruit, slices of melon and mango, Scotch pancakes and biscuits. It might be worth investing in some kesostix if you don't have them already as while they are not the best test of dehydration for reasons that Melleebacca explains below, hospitals do take them seriously. Otherwise, watch out for inelestic skin, ie skin that doesn't spring back when pulled, dark urine, headache, etc.
Waves to Whatnext11 and Melleebacca and everyone.

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Nic165 · 19/11/2019 22:55

Thank you so much for all the advice, I will ask my partner to get some supplies in from the list tomorrow. I managed some rich tea biscuits and bread today, threw up twice but I'm pretty sure I didn't throw up all of the food which is an improvement. Also glad to hear there is hope that this will ease off over the next few weeks. Hope everyone else is doing well and feeling better very soon

Nic165 · 19/11/2019 22:58

I should add that I haven't tried the cyclizine yet as the GP takes 48 hrs to write the prescription given by the hospital. And the hospital didn't give me any supplies to see me through these next couple of days 😣 really hoping they're ready tomorrow as I am definitely feeling worse again since leaving hospital

LucindaE · 20/11/2019 19:25

Nik I do hope that the Cyclizine comes through soon, and that some of the things on the list are helpful.

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LucindaE · 20/11/2019 19:25

Nic Sorry- Nic not Nik.

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Melleebacca · 21/11/2019 17:22

Feeling really green. The vomitting has increased to anytime between 2pm and when I go to bed. Which is great for Kindy pickup at 3pm. Last night I managed to fed, bathe and get both girls into their pjs before throwing up everything (hubby was at a late meeting). Tomorrow hubby is going to a wedding alone, as there is no way I’m putting myself through that, and it’s his cousin. But it does mean I’m at home with both girls until well past bedtime and I’m trying not to freak out.

Hope everyone else is coping ok!

LucindaE · 22/11/2019 10:09

Mellebacca All luck for today. As there are two, will they play while you lie on the sofa? Much sympathy, as preparing food while feeling [green] is awful.

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Whatnext11 · 22/11/2019 14:16

@Melleebacca that sounds really awful. Hope someone can pop in and help you today, thinking of you.

Melleebacca · 22/11/2019 17:29

@LucindaE the girls play so well together! A couple of days ago I had to feed them dinner as hubby was at a late meeting, so I’ve figured out how to handle that. The hard part will be getting them both to sleep at a time when I usually have my head in the toilet.

@Whatnext11 I’m hoping hubby stays until the meal is over and comes home as quick as possible. The only other person who knows I’m pregnant is my mum and she’s out of town. There’s no point in telling Hubbys family at this stage either, while they will be happy for us, they don’t understand how sick I am, and are not very helpful. I think I’m going to be ok. It’s just one night.

LucindaE · 22/11/2019 20:06

Melleebacca I hope it didn't go too badly. That sounds lovely, that your little girls play happily together.
Whatsup11 I hope you are coping OK as well.
Waves to all.

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Whatnext11 · 23/11/2019 15:01

I was doing so well recently I thought I might be at the end if the sickness. Today though I've been being sick since this morning. Keytones are at 2 so basically waiting to get worse then expect I will end up at hospital. Yuck.