Emetophobic and too scared to try and get pregnant

[JKDcot]

Says it all in the title really. Feels embarrassing and pathetic to admit it. I would take away the chance of holding my baby as I’m scared of vomiting. But I am and it’s my truth. I had morning sickness in my first pregnancy and it broke me. I’m too scared to try again although I really want to and am so upset and full of regret.

Any kind advice Please don’t say I’m pathetic

I feel for too. My DD suffers with this too. She's only 18 but has already said she could never be a mum as she's too afraid of morning sickness or the child being poorly.

It's a really difficult phobia to treat as it's all down to self esteem and your desire for control.

Would counselling help? Or hypnotherapy?

You must congratulate yourself often on going through a pregnancy already. For most people it's tough, but for you it was incredibly brave ❤️

Thank you @gleefulstar thats very kind and yes I do think I was brave as I found it really challenging.

It’s just such a strong emotional pull to want to be a mummy and have a child. I bet by the time your daughter is thinking about it there will be better drugs to help

What mental health support have you had OP for this phobia? Please seek help from your GP or privately. They will have seen this before, so you aren't alone.

Did you get medication for it during your first pregnancy? A lot of women are fobbed off or believe they should just suffer as it's part of being pregnant . No! Get all the drugs!!

There’s no guarantees you will get morning sickness again. I was only sick once during my pregnancy but it was twins and l had overdone it somewhat that day. But obviously it’s a gamble. Another vote for accessing medication

what medication would you recommend?

OP, I totally empathise with this.

I've always had a vomit phobia, really careful about what I eat ie chicken has to be crucified etc, don't drink alcohol, can't be around sick, can't cope with people heaving etc.

I'm now 28 weeks pregnant, but up until 20 weeks I was sick multiple times a day. I don't know how I coped but I just did. It was very unpleasant, I have a few memories that aren't yet fading of specific times, but now it mostly all feels like a distant memory. I really found my OH supportive, if I was sick at home I had him come and rub my back and found that really comforting. Just whatever you can to get through really.

Now I'm at the other side it was all worth it. There are some really good medications, and as above, you don't yet know if you'll get sick.

You could also speak to your GP or go privately to explore EMDR or other phobia therapy.

Good luck, you can do this! X

Thank you all for your kind advice and wishing everyone well on their own personal journeys.

I had EMDR therapy and tried CBT but neither seemed to work. In my last pregnancy I had cyclizine which really helped - so I know I would ask the GP for that again.

now I’m older and know what it’s like I’m almost more scared than first time…. It was really tough for me and I just keep chickening out

Just checking in again to suggest listening to the Thrive podcasts on emetophobia. They're really helpful. I don't suffer with it myself but have found them brilliant for understanding what my daughter is going through, and more importantly, why.

I really hope you get the help and support you need @JKDcot

Thank you @gleefulstar I will try that as I’ve heard good things about the thrive program

hope your daughter can get some peace from this horrid phobia

I have emetophobia and currently 40 weeks pregnant. I’ve threw up once throughout whole pregnancy and it was fine tbh I just got on with my day after, the thought is always worse than the actual act in my opinion. I am a little worried about when baby’s here and I have to deal with him getting a bug and stuff but I hear so many people say it is worth it and you just get on with it which I am hoping is true !