Hyperemesis Support

[LucindaE]

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/topics/nausea-vomiting-in-pregnancy
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.

fternoon all,

I’m just wondering if anyone is suffering hyperemesis and has a toddler/other children? I’m struggling so much already and I’m only 4 weeks. I had HG severely in 1st pregnancy with multiple hospital admissions but it didn’t start until 7 weeks last time. This time it started before I found out (early as We’ve been trying so did early testing and kind of knew already because of the sickness).

I don’t know how to cope. I am already on ordansetron. I feel absolutely awful that I’ve had to call my partner at work because I’m so sick my toddler is playing by himself (in a completely safe room) but I just hate this already and have massive mum guilt. I feel so selfish wanting a second baby so badly and putting my son through this aswell. He’s only 22 months and doesn’t understand why mummy is so poorly and can’t play all the time. I thought I would be able to handle it better this time, but honestly it already seems worse than the first time around.

Hello all, I’ve just been prescribed promethazine. Is it safe to take? I’m 10 weeks..

Can anyone give advice on hyperemesis #2 we have started trying for baby number 2 and honestly im so terrified of hg coming back but we both really want a second child. Our first child is currently just over 13 months but id had previous people from hyperemesis support say do it while first child is little as it makes it easier. Any advice on what to prepare for etc would be amazing.
This page got me through my first hg pregnancy so im hoping for the same again. 🙏

Welcome to newcomers. Bizmet Never worry that a doctor would prescribe any drug in pregnancy that wasn't considered safe or where s'/he hadn't assessed that the very tiny risk associated with it wasn't outweighed by the very real risks of dehydration from Hyperemesis. Several sufferers on here have been on that one. There are several safe drugs that they can try, and if that doesn't help enough, do ask for an alternative. It might be worth asking for an anti acid too, as that can make a big difference.
Giraffe Don't feel guilty about your LO playing by himself. You are giving him a sibling, which is a priceless gift and he will soon forget this time of comparative neglect. Are there any relatives/friends who might be able to help out? As you are a veteran, you don't need my spiel about flat coke, ice lollies, the juice of tinned fruit, anti acids and kesostix. Most sufferers see an improvement at some point between weeks 15 and 20 and even for the unfortunate minority who suffer throughout, few feel as bad later on as they do in the first tri. Might the doctor be willing to prescrible Cyclizine along with Ondansetron as that combination has helped many along with one of the B vitamins (I always forget whether it's B6 or B12).

abbs1Nice to hear from you again, although of course, you don't want to b e on the thread that nobody wants to be on if you can help it!" I hope you escape it this time, some do. I am glad the thread helped you last time. Pre-emptive meds are the best thing, and everyone on here recommends a plan for back up help from family and friends. Waves to all. Aplogies to anyone rudely overlooked.

@LucindaE thank you. Im hoping I escape it but fully prepared for it to return. Im taking Vitamin D, C Iron and folic acid pre emptively. Im gonna get some B6 as that is recommended as well. I also need to ask my gp about aspirin as i ended up with pre eclampsia in my last pregnancy 😔

abbs1 The best of luck. Many find that despite the difficulties of looking after an LO with Hyperemesis, they at least are better prepared for it this time.

Seeing some Sherbet Lemons for sale in the supermarket reminded me that I used to suck those besides the Barley Sugar for that dreadful taste in the mouth.

@lucindaE yes Im definitely more prepared. Just hoping my little one understands. Hes so independent already so thats a bonus. I have good family support which is great.

After Bunhead's happy news, here is the new, much truncated Due Dates list if anyone cares to give their date.

DueDates
ohidoliketobe 1 May
QueenBee95 2 May
Fruitloops34 5 May
Firsttimemum21 14 May
SweetpeaOrMarigold 18 May
Jlw2020 19 May
Snapple21 30 May
RockinRobinn 24 September

@LucindaE Mine is still a ways off, but is November 22.

Need some help. Been diagnosed with hyperemesis today. Had a bit of a low, embarrassing moment that led to a doctor's trip and a sick day. Without warning I threw up all over myself whilst on the bus. Got off the bus and cried in the middle of the high street.

I know nothing about this. So need answers, what should I be eating and drinking. How don't I know what to avoid?

Hope everyone is holding up ok I had a pretty miserable day yesterday where I was just counting the minutes down but a bit better today. Just wondering if anyone has taken vitamin B6 supplements and found they have helped with the nausea? Have started taking today but not sure if they will do anything?

Had my acupuncture appointment for next week cancelled as I can’t manage a mask without being sick I get why they are not happy with seeing me but disappointing all the same as acupuncture helped take the edge off last time.

I think my due date will be 14th November but have my dating scan on Friday so can confirm then!

@hporter10 I’m sure Lucinda will be along with some practical advice but wanted to send you a handhold in the meantime - I was sick in someone’s front garden during my last pregnancy and it is was so upsetting

hporter10 Welcome. Sorry you are suffering and to hear about the bus episode. Hopefully,you were given meds? Wht sort have they put you on? Here is my normal spiel which I hope might help. Most sufferers find that they improve a lot at some point between weeks 14 and 20. Even those who are unlucky enough to suffer throughout generally are not as ill later on as they are in the first part. A good anti acid can make a surprising difference to the sickness. Kesostix are worth buying online or from a chemists, as while they aren't they best test of dehydration, hospitals take them seriously. When reporting on the vomiting to doctosr, remember to emphasize the number of heaves in each vomiting session, as doctors tend to count these as 'vomits' and this can lead to their underestimating the severity of your symptoms. Besides drinking through a straw, here are some drinks that have helped others: full sugar flat coke (if you don't find it too acid), ice lollies, the juice of tinned fruit, Lucozade, apple juice, Ribina, Dr Pepper, soda water, Elderflower water, tonic water, ice cubes, Iron Bru, lemonade, lemon squash, orange squash, orange juice (if not too acid), fizzy orange, 7Up, isotonic drinks, sips of chocolate milkshake (maybe soya), fizzy water, apple juice, Robinson's fruit drinks, Rubicon sparkling mango drink , raspberry Lucozade sport and frozen ice cubes of flat Lucozade sport . Foods of a sort include tinned fruit, cuppa soup, nibbles of crisps and chips, cheap ice cream, Scotch pancakes, bagels and biscuits and slices of melon and mango.soon. This does tend to happen later than with normal pregnancy sickness (and even that very often goes beyond 12 weeks to 14 or so weeks or even longer). There is plenty of support on this thread.
JessicaM2021 I've added you.
MimPimMim I've added you provisionally. That garden episode sounded miserable. What a shame about the Acupuncture appoiontment: it helped me a lot and it's such a nuisance about the mask. You think they might make an exception if you took a test or somehting. Wishing you more much better days.

DueDates
ohidoliketobe 1 May
QueenBee95 2 May
Fruitloops34 5 May
Firsttimemum21 14 May
SweetpeaOrMarigold 18 May
Jlw2020 19 May
Snapple21 30 May
RockinRobinn 24 September
MimPimMim 14 November (provisional)
JessicaM2021 22 November

Hi @LucindaE you can add my due date please - 17th September

Thank you so much for this. I've had a better day today, managed to keep down proper food; plain cooked chicken and pasta then a plain jacket potato and some cauliflower later in the day.

I've found drinking lemonade mixed with cranberry juice really good so far. I will keep everyone updated

Also my due date if anyone wanted to know... CHRISTMAS DAY!!

Hi I’m new here hope you don’t mind I feel so alone! I’m 13+4 and Iv had hyperemasis since week 6 last weekend I was in hospital for 2 nights on IV fluids and sent home with 3 boxes of medication! I new one that is licened for pregnant woman and seems to be taking the nausea away, but still bed bound can’t enjoy myself and having a cry every day! I had the same with my first little girls and it lasted until I was 14 week then it was like a switch! I just want some appetite and to eat I’m sick of my belly growling at me and this taste in my mouth I just can’t get rid off! Xx

DueDates
ohidoliketobe 1 May
QueenBee95 2 May
Fruitloops34 5 May
Firsttimemum21 14 May
SweetpeaOrMarigold 18 May
Jlw2020 19 May
Snapple21 30 May
Anxious9thPG 17 September
RockinRobinn 24 September
MimPimMim 14 November (provisional)
JessicaM2021 22 November
hporter10 25 December

Marnie1234 Welcome. Sorry you are suffering. Did you have twins before? I hope you get relief at the same time with this pregnancy. As you are a veteran you don't need my spiel about keostoxi, flat coke, ice lollies and the juice of tinned fruit and how helpful anti-acids are.
Have you got help from family and friends so you can help? There is lots of support on here.
hporter10 I am glad to hear you've had a better day and eaten healthy things. Good tip about cranberry juice and lemonade. I've added your date for a special Christmas present.
Anxious9thPG I've added your date as well.
I hope everyone is coping today.

Hello ladies just found this thread. I am 25 weeks and suffering miserably. Third pregnancy but the other two were a long time ago and really can't remember it being this bad!

I struggled a lot in first 12 weeks and was given a supply of Cyczline but tried to hold of taking them unless super desperate. Seemed to have a bit of a let up from 12-16 weeks but nausea came back. Now at 25 weeks I am back to uncontrollable vomiting for most of the evening.

Just wondered if anyone had experienced this ramp up of symptoms later on? Was really hoping for a let up after having such a bad time but I worried it's here to stay till the end now. Feeling really miserable and panicking how I am going to work, be a mum and survive the next 15 weeks.

Should I admit defeat and go back to the cyczline? I can't help but worry when taking them but this can't be healthy for poor baby.

@quietlyspoken08 i really feel for you. Hg is so hard. Definitely get back on cyclizine and if its not working please ask for ondansatron which has worked for many but you will need a laxative as well as it will make you constipated. I was on it from 7 weeks until i gave birth along with alternating metoclopromide and IV ondansatron and fluids in hospital. I ended up on steriods and clexine injections and my little boy is perfect.
As you sound like you are really struggling i would recommend getting some iv fluids in hospital and some iv cyclizine to get your vomitting under control and then keeping up with the cyclizine at home just to give your body a break. Its amazing what fluids and iv medication can do.
If you check out the pregnancy sickness support page there is a list of hg day units at certain hospitals where you can be seen much quicker than a and e so may be worth checking before you sit for hours in a and e waiting to be seen.
Keep us posted on how youre doing. We are all here to support you. Xx

[quote abbs1]@quietlyspoken08 i really feel for you. Hg is so hard. Definitely get back on cyclizine and if its not working please ask for ondansatron which has worked for many but you will need a laxative as well as it will make you constipated. I was on it from 7 weeks until i gave birth along with alternating metoclopromide and IV ondansatron and fluids in hospital. I ended up on steriods and clexine injections and my little boy is perfect.
As you sound like you are really struggling i would recommend getting some iv fluids in hospital and some iv cyclizine to get your vomitting under control and then keeping up with the cyclizine at home just to give your body a break. Its amazing what fluids and iv medication can do.
If you check out the pregnancy sickness support page there is a list of hg day units at certain hospitals where you can be seen much quicker than a and e so may be worth checking before you sit for hours in a and e waiting to be seen.
Keep us posted on how youre doing. We are all here to support you. Xx[/quote]
Thank you so much. Will speak to the doctors tomorrow feel like some iv fluids could defo do me no harm anything to feel relief! I worry about dehydration a lot but find that even water makes me burp then feel so sick. Also sneezing, coughing, laughing and it seems just breathing in general seem to do it too... fun times. Thank you again for your reply will keep in touch with the post. Feel awful their are so many like me suffering but nice to not feel miserable and alone in it!

Dehydration in pregnancy is more dangerous to you and baby tham medication so definitely ask for some. I went in 4-5 times a week for fluids and iv medication from weeks 7-12 before i was put on home visits so dont hesitate to ask more than once. I left the hospital each time feeling 1000 times better.

I have got my family, and there really helping but they haven’t been through it so they don’t know how I’m really feeling :( I’m 13+5 today due 6th November, no sorry I had 1 little girl I didn’t mean to put the s on the end, and it stopped like a switch at 14 week really crossing my fingers for Saturday all I can do is lay in bed and wish the days away until it’s gone 😭😭 xx

quietlyspoken08 Welcome. Sorry you are suffering. I can't improve on abbs1's advice. Cyclizine has been used safely in pregnancy for decades. As you are a veteran you don't need my spiel about flat full sugar coke, ice lollies and the juiceof tinned fruit and 'have you got keostix' and 'an anti acid can make a great difference'. Do remember to tell the doctor the number of heaves counting it as a separate vomit as it seems GP's do this often and if you count each heaving session instead then that tends to underestimate the level of sickness.
abbs1 Great advice.
Marnie1234 I've added your date. It is very hard for non sufferers to understand just how bad it is. The reason I asked about twins due to that 's' is that we have had several mothers on here expecting twins and they often suffer really badly early on but it clears up quickly, so I suppose they wouldn't have had Hyperemesis if it wasn't for the extra hormones. Hopefully, then, as you got better fairly soon with your last pregnancy the same will be true with this.

DueDates
Fruitloops34 5 May
Firsttimemum21 14 May
SweetpeaOrMarigold 18 May
Jlw2020 19 May
Snapple21 30 May
Anxious9thPG 17 September
RockinRobinn 24 September
Marnie1234 6 November
MimPimMim 14 November (provisional)
JessicaM2021 22 November
hporter10 25 December

I hope everyone is coping today.