In December 2016, I received the news that I was expecting my first child. However, my excitement soon turned into discomfort as I experienced morning sickness. At around 5.5 weeks, on Christmas morning, I felt unwell. The next day, I woke up vomiting continuously.
Searching for Help
I reached out to every woman I knew who had kids, but nothing seemed to work. I went through 48 hours of non-stop vomiting until I contacted my doctor, who advised me to go to the emergency room. There, I was diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) – a condition that I had never heard of before. I was given IV fluids and Zofran through an IV, which helped me survive my pregnancy.
Surviving the Struggle: Coping with HG During Pregnancy
I was prescribed 8mg of dissolvable Zofran during my pregnancy, which helped me get through it. However, I still felt alone and tired all the time. It was difficult to work, and I had to miss most family functions until August when my baby finally arrived.
When my daughter was nine months old, I found out I was pregnant again, and the vomiting started again around the 6-week mark. I was put on a Zofran pump at around 30 weeks and then induced at 39 weeks.
Navigating HG with Online Support
However, during my second pregnancy, I searched for support for HG and found HGmoms. It helped me feel less alone and more supported. It also helped me communicate my thoughts and feelings to my doctor. I was able to get the help I needed.
Find Support:
Email help@hyperemesis.org
Find a Support Group that fits your needs.
HER’s Monthly Zoom Support Group.
Request Peer Support.
Embracing Preparedness
Currently, I am pregnant with my third child and due in late September. I have had four days of at-home IV therapy and have the Zofran pump. However, this time, I feel more prepared to face HG through the support I have found online.
The Hidden Battles
My three HG pregnancies have caused me to experience mental health issues, such as depression from being constantly stuck at home and missing out on life. I also feel guilty for missing work and passing on household chores to my husband due to extreme fatigue. Additionally, I feel anxious about the possibility of my HG affecting my baby’s development and getting pregnant again.
Love conquers every challenge
The mental toll that HG takes on mothers is often the hardest part. People who have never experienced HG or heard of it can say hurtful things that make it worse, such as, “You knew what was coming,” “I wish I had what you have,” or “Have you tried ginger ale?” These comments can be hurtful and show that people do not understand the severity of HG. It’s been a rough journey, but every needle, every IV, every ER visit, and every day spent in bed has been worth it. I love my children, and I would do it all again if I had to.
~Colleen
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