The term "Morning Sickness" makes me feel some type of way. For a lot of women, it's not -morning- sickness.... it's all the time sickness. Let's talk about it, the length and some remedies that may help.
If you are in the first group, aka the lucky ones, you are sick for a short while mostly in the morning. Kudos to you! That's truly amazing and great. Saltine crackers before you even get out of bed in the morning with some ginger ale (or stale ginger ale) works wonders for mild sickness. A lot of the times pregnancy sickness comes from your body needing more food and trying to figure out the accommodations for the new addition. Small frequents meals or hourly small snacks are what doctors recommend until your body adjusts to your new normal.
If you are the middle group, you are sick for a bit longer and not just in the mornings. Unfortunately, it sucks. I'm not going to lie and say it will be easy. I was the middle one for both my pregnancies. With my daughter it wasn't as bad, sick of the usual 12 weeks, but it was all day nausea. With my son I was sick until 24 weeks, it stopped for a bit then came back at 34ish weeks. That being said though, saltines and sprite/ginger ale before getting out of bed in the mornings are still helpful. As do the small frequent meals and/or hourly snacks. It will feel like you are doing nothing but eating, getting sick and sleeping. That is ok. You are growing a person, it will stop, you will be better soon.
Now, if you are in this last group I will start with an apology. I'm sorry you feel so sick. I'm sorry you hurt from throwing up so much. I'm sorry you are most likely crying from just not feeling good on top of all these hormone changes. But You are strong, You can do this, You are amazing, no one else can do what you are doing for YOUR baby. Your OB may diagnose you with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). This is different than just pregnancy sickness, HG can lead to severe dehydration, malnourishment, and even a stay in the hospital. It most likely lasts the entire pregnancy. While eating small meals is helpful it doesn't help AS much as if you had a more mild pregnancy sickness. There are medications to help, anti-nausea medicines, anti-vomiting medicines, dietary supplements such as vitamin B12. Some women have said motion sickness bands that apply pressure to points in your wrists help when you are having to move around a bunch. Most importantly, if you are able, practicing self-care may be helpful as well.
HG is a hard illness to go through because it feels like your body has turned on you. You want to be excited about your next season of life but it's hard to see past the toilet bowl. You are tired, your body hurts, you want to eat but are scared to, suddenly your life revolves around being sick. You may find yourself feeling down, being more negative and being more upset than normal. Give yourself grace. It's ok to not be ok. Make sure you have a trusted someone you can express your feelings to. Get it all out. You love your body; you love that your body has been able to do this incredible thing...but it's ok to resent how your body is reacting to the whole experience. You can and will get through this.
HG makes it hard for some moms-to-be to connect with their pregnancy. In moments of peace, I.E not vomiting, find ways to connect. Rest with your hands on your belly to feel baby moving. Talk about baby names or nursery plans. Talk to the baby, you will feel silly (and that's ok) tell the baby how much you love them and how much they are wanted, tell them about plans once they are born and who all is waiting for them, talk to them about how you are feeling. I guess my point is talk to your unborn child despite how silly it feels.
It doesn't matter what kind of pregnancy you are experiencing, the most important of all is to take care of yourself.
Until next time,
Sara Engle
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