Need some HG help and support ☹️

[IcantDoThisHG]

I feel horrendous. Had HG in both my other pregnancies. Was prescribed ondansetron but this time I’m sick earlier and ondansetron isn’t helping as much. I’ve heard about Xonvea - can it be taken alongside ondansetron or is it instead of?

I’m so sorry you’re struggling again. Yes you can take xonvea alongside ondansetron. I had HG both pregnancies (currently 38 weeks into my second). First time ondansetron felt like a game changer but was less effective this time. Xonvea though was a game changer this time - literally went from bed bound to up and about after starting it. I’ve been taking it and ondansetron in combination since 9 weeks, also had prochlorperazine for a while too. And got omeprazole early (still on that now) as reducing stomach acid can also help alleviate symptoms a bit.

Definitely push for xonvea as well, I hope it might help you as much as it helped me.

I also got a Pregnancy Sickness Support peer supporter this time round which I found super helpful, particularly as my husband had less time to provide emotional support for me second time round because he was so busy caring for our toddler.

Thankyou so much. Can a gp prescribe it or does it have to be through a hospital? I got ondansetron via EPU and my gp won’t prescribe I have to keep going back to hospital to collect

It’s so bad how GPs can refuse to prescribe and make it so difficult to get what you need. I think it depends on area - in my area (east of England) only the hospital will prescribe xonvea at first, but they then authorised my GP to do it from there and I’ve had no issues getting repeat prescriptions since via my GP. I have heard of others who’ve been able to get it via their GP in other areas though.

There’s a really useful Facebook support group called Hyperemesis Gravidarum and Pregnancy Sickness (UK Group) where you could ask about anyone’s experience in your area, or if you contact Pregnancy Sickness Support they can help you access medication in your area.

I'm sorry you are going through this. I echo the above poster re getting a peer supporter from pregnancy sickness support.

I had to keep going through EPU to get the right combination and then my midwife referred me to an obstetrician when the GP refused to prescribe more. I got a combination of 5 different anti emetics to take during the day.

Keep going back and pushing until you get a combination that suits you. I didn't with my first but definitely more willing to advocate for myself with the 2nd.

I will try to do that. I just feel horrific 🤮

Hi, not sure if this group if this thread is still active but just wondered if I could join. I am currently 8 weeks, second pregnancy but first time experiencing HG. Tried Cyclizine and it didn’t work so I’m now on Promethazine . The vomiting has stopped but the nausea is still there and I cannot eat anything . Feeling really depressed and struggling

I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling, it must be a shock after not having it first time. Most women benefit from a combination of drugs rather than just one. Persistent nausea can be really debilitating so don’t put up with it, go back to your GP or midwife and tell them it isn’t working and you need something else instead or as well. An antacid like omeprazole can help reduce stomach acid and the nauseous feeling. At the peak of mine I had to be on three different antiemetics and omeprazole, as well as laxatives to combat the side effects of the antiemetics so there are more drugs available and a combination may be more effective.

In the meantime, try and eat what you can even if it’s unhealthy or weird, don’t worry about the baby as it’s tiny and will take what it needs from you even if you can’t eat much at all. Eating very little and often can be easier than going for meals, and not allowing yourself to get hungry can also help. I found sucking boiled sweets helped first time round and ice cold squash easier than any hot or room temperature drinks.

Do you have support around you? Are you working?

@Nomnomnew thank you so much. I am seeing my Midwife for my booking in appt on Friday, and have a scan with my fertility clinic on Thursday which I’m hoping will be some reassurance.
I actually had a rennies last night as I could feel my stomach burning and it did give me some relief. I’ve also been sucking on Grays herbal sweets which has been nice.
I have a wife, and two 5 year olds. I am currently signed off sick from work (I work in a hospital and couldn’t function on shift)

Definitely don’t feel you have to leave it until Friday if you’re struggling to eat and drink. In my first pregnancy I massively underestimated how ill I was and ended up with numerous admissions for IV fluids and anti sickness injections. It’s better to try and keep ahead of it as far as possible. I’m glad you’ve got some help and you’re off work, try and prioritise rest where you can. You’ve probably already read up thread but pregnancy sickness support has a peer support service and I found it so helpful to have someone to chat to who just understood. HG can be so isolating and really mentally difficult to deal with.