Reprieve

I've been avoiding another morning sickness blog because I haven't wanted to seem as if I'm trying to garner extra sympathy.  However, many of you have asked how I've been feeling, and since the news is finally good, I think it's time for an update. 

Last week was completely miserable.  I had two days in a row when I was sick three times one day and twice the next, which left me completely exhausted.  Tuesday was a nice day, but it was too short of a break in the middle of a week where I was constantly nauseous or worn out from losing my lunch.  Fortunately, on Monday of this week, I had my second prenatal appointment.  My doctor didn't hesitate to approve medication for morning sickness.

Round 1:  Avoiding Medication
When I was pregnant with Isabelle, I avoided medication at all cost.  I was extremely concerned about birth defects, and it seemed to me that medication was constanty being recalled (i.e. Reglan).  At one point, when I noticed I'd lost several pounds in a couple of days, I did have to start taking medication, but it was mild and just made me sleep all day.  I only took it (phenergen) as needed.  But I knew early on in this pregnancy that there was no way I could live like I did last time.  With my first pregnancy, I could be completely selfish and spend an entire day curled up with a book to stop myself from getting sick again.  This time, I need to properly care for my toddler, so I decided early on that if my doctor is comfortable with medication, then I would take his advice.

Round 2:  Medication and Reprieve!
Two friends e-mailed me last week about an over the counter morning sickness remedy, but I wanted to check with my doctor prior to using it.  He was very supportive of it and viewed it as a great first option for managing nausea. I'm currently taking a B6 supplement and Unisom to combat morning sickness, and the results are incredible.  Much of the day, I don't even feel pregnant.  I have little to no nausea whatsoever.  During my first pregnancy, other pregnant women would tell me how great life is after the first 14 weeks, when they no longer felt nauseous, but I never experienced this and continued to get sick all through my pregnancy.  This time, I've been able to enjoy relief from the nausea. 

Oddly enough, it doesn't prevent me from getting sick.  I've still vomited a few times this week, but it's a far cry from last week (8 times in 5 days--yuck!), and I've been amazed at what I feel capable of doing now that I'm not nauseous all day.  I had so much fun yesterday, baking cookies for a meeting today and baking a cheesecake for a friend's birthday.  I felt like my old self again.  I'm hoping to bring Isabelle to the pool next week and do other fun things that we haven't been able to do. 

Unless I start getting sick repeatedly in my second trimester (like last time), then I think this will work.  I can definitely live like this, and best of all, I can really function and care for my family.  Here's an article about the medication I'm taking, for any pregnant women who are interested in it.  Essentially, the combination of medicines I'm taking creates a morning sickness drug that was improperly removed from the US market in the 80s.  It has never been linked to birth defects and has been used in Canada for 50 years.  The first day after taking it, I felt incredibly groggy and sleepy, thanks to the Unisom.  Every day since, I've felt a little sluggish in the mornings, but it's a worthwhile tradeoff for sweet relief. 

Understanding Hyperemesis Gravidarum
If anyone is interested in understanding what has gone on, check out the website for hyperemesis education and research.  One of the hardest things about my last pregnancy is that most people simply don't understand.  I wouldn't have understood it either had I not experienced it myself.  It would almost be easier if I stopped calling it morning sickness and started calling it hyperemesis, because then people would realize that it's very, very different.  I'm often advised to eat saltines, sip Sprite, or take Tums.  Typical morning sickness remedies do not work, and neither do digestive aids, since it's a hormonal issue, not a digestive one.  One Monday morning during my first pregnancy, I weighed myself and realized that, due to all of the sickness over the weekend, I'd lost 3 pounds in two days.  That's when I realized it had escalated from morning sickness to hyperemesis, and I quickly called my doctor to get medication and avoid dehydration.  At 6 months of pregnancy, I'd gained a total of 6 pounds, and the week prior to giving birth to Isabelle, I was pleased to see I'd successfully gained 12 pounds in pregnancy (instead of the normal 25-35).  I worked hard to gain those 12 pounds!  Many women with hyperemesis lose weight throughout their pregnancy, so I was very fortunate.  I also worked hard to avoid hospitalization, drinking Powerade to replace electrolytes and stay hydrated.     

This time, I have not been diagnosed with hyperemesis and I'm hoping and praying that I won't be.  I'm hoping that starting medication at 11 weeks will keep me feeling well and energetic.  This pregnancy, I have far fewer food aversions and water usually doesn't make me feel sick, so I think these are good indicators that things will be easier this time. 

Thanks for your prayers and encouragement!  I'm still praying for a good second trimester!  Regardless, I know that anything is worth it for a sweet little one.  I never take it for granted what a blessing it is to be pregnant.

My first view of my baby girl, December 21, 2008.